A few weeks ago I talked about the FAFSA and CSS Profile and how important they are to securing financial aid. While I hope you are well on your way to having those both completed, you may have already realized that a college education does not usually come without a big price tag. Statistics tell us that the average college student is graduating with almost $25,000 in debt, and that number is not expected to decrease anytime soon. With an average financial aid package of around $9,000, most students and families will have to seek additional sources of income to help pay for college costs without breaking the bank.
If you are in the boat of balancing college expenses with reality do not fret. There are tons of great resources for tracking down FREE money. That’s right I said FREE money. Now I’m not saying that getting this money is easy, but if your student is willing to work for it, the world of scholarships and grants can be your ticket to a debt free college experience (or at the very least, decrease the amount one has to borrow.)
Any of the websites below offer students the opportunity to browse through scholarships they may qualify for. By putting in simple information these websites will search and generate lists of scholarships your student may be able to apply for. Keep in mind that small scholarships add up, and any amount, no matter how small can really help in the long run!
Fast Web
College.gov
Federal Student Aid
US Department of Education
Mass. Department of Higher Education
College Board
Don't forget that many high schools may compile their own list of more local scholarships for students to apply to. This along with checking with clubs and organizations, in which students are involved in, may turn up even more scholarship opportunities.
Happy Hunting!
