Scholarships; An Overlooked Option

The most challenging part of college for many students isn't the courses or a nightmare roommate but paying for the tuition. Student loans are the most recommended remedy for this problem; however, if you ask anyone who has graduated in the last ten years, they will tell you that they aren't the best solution. Scholarships and Grants, however, are financing options that, while they may not be as easy to get a student loan, as you will need to compete with other students for the privilege to use them, nor do they always provide as much funding as a loan. In addition, you can be eligible for multiple grants and scholarships. 

You do not need to be an outstanding athlete to receive a Scholarship. Many require an essay submission along with a particular course of study. In addition, other Scholarships are made available to students, students, the student's backgrounds, or the financial hardships of students' families. You can learn more about Scholarships in the US here.

Grants are similar to Scholarships but are provided by the Government and may need to be paid back if certain conditions are met. Like Scholarships, many Grants are based on the financial needs or merit of the student. For more information on grants here. 

Suppose you're a student looking to transition to college in the next couple of years; please talk to your school's guidance counselors about your options. Student Loans are great but can be dangerous to your future if you lean on them too hard. If you have a specific scholarship program you used in the past or are taking advantage of right now, please leave a comment. Until next time.