Scholarships for College Students

Can College Kids Still Apply for Scholarships?

If you are already in college, you can still apply for scholarships. Scholarships for college students may be useful for several reasons. Whether you are in your first, second, third or last years of college.

For one, a scholarship might help pay down any student debt you have as a college student. It might also pay your college tuition (possibly keeping you from debt).

You likely have a slew of expenses and fees too. This may include a yearning for travel money to go to a professional conference.

Things to know about applying for scholarships once you are in college

Whatever propels you to go after scholarships, they are gift money. You only pay back the funds if you do not meet their terms. That said, as a college student (already) it is a good idea to understand the bigger financial picture.

Here are six things to keep in mind about applying for scholarships once you have started your college education:

1. Getting more college scholarship money might affect any other student aid you receive
2. You can’t receive more in financial aid than the cost of attendance at your college or career school
3. You’ll likely need to let your college’s financial aid office know so they can adjust your invoice
4. You can fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year as it takes into account any changes to your family’s finances
5. If your current scholarship is renewable, make sure to abide by the terms and keep track of deadlines in case you have to re-apply
6. Even small scholarships help. They might offset the cost of books, fees, meals, conferences, etc.

What kinds of scholarships can you get for college?

As a college student, you may be in a perfect position to apply for scholarships. You might already have an idea of what your major interests are. Or you may be trying new extracurricular activities.

These might give you a taste for scholarship opportunities you were not aware of before. You may also be eligible for scholarships you did not qualify for when you started applying in high school. You might even want to think forward by scouting scholarships for graduate school.

Five scholarship categories that current college students might apply to:

1. Scholarships by college major

As a college student, you may already have your subject area figured out. If so, there are many scholarships for students who major in a specific field of study. Use these interests to search for scholarships by major.

One example is the National Black Nurses Association Scholarship. Applicants must have at least one full year of school remaining and be in solid academic standing at the time of application.

Another major-centric scholarship is the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship. Eligible applicants include current undergraduates, recent college graduates, midcareer professionals, and retirees who majored or worked in STEM fields.

2. Scholarships for transfer students

Transferring from a community college? There are scholarships for transfer students. These may ease the financial pressure of completing a bachelor’s degree.

One example is the Teachers of Accounting at Two-Year Colleges (TACTYC) Scholarship. They award multiple scholarships of $1,000 each. They go to graduating students of two-year colleges who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting. On the topic of accounting, you can also look for a scholarship to pay for your fifth year of college.

3. Scholarships for minority undergraduate students

Many minority groups receive scholarships. There are scholarships for current college students who identify as:

• African American
• Hispanic
• Native American
• Asian
• Women, single moms
• Multi-racial or multicultural
• LGTBQ (Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual, and Queer

4. Merit Scholarships

Are you acing your grades in college? Your university may reward high achievers. Make sure to scout your school’s listings to see if you qualify. The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation is one example. These scholarships are in place to identify and support college sophomores and juniors. Ones who show exceptional promise in natural sciences, mathematics and engineering research.

5. Scholarships for college students with a cause

Many students go to college and pick up interests. This might include advocating for a specific cause. Sound familiar? If so, look for scholarships associated with the things you are enthusiastic about. One example is the Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship. You’ll need to write an essay to win an award of $1,000.

Where to Find Scholarships for College Students?

Recent market research shows that more than eight in 10 families use scholarships and grants to cover college costs. But less than one in five families said they researched financial aid eligibility early in the college planning process.

True, many people have a plan in place and apply for scholarships in high school. But current college students should not discount scholarship opportunities by any stretch. Here are six possible sources of scholarships for current undergraduate students to tap into:

1. Your college or university
2. Federal or state agencies
3. Your parents’ (or your own) employer
4. Associations related to your major or area of interest
5. Companies and other organizations
6. Charitable foundations

Top 11 Scholarships for College Students in 2019