Why Should I Look Into Scholarships For College?
Finding scholarships to help pay for college is more important now than ever. The continued rise in tuition, combined with the challenge of managing student debt, has made college an expensive proposition.
Not only should scholarships be a standard part of your college application process, but they can also play a big role in determining where you choose to go to school. A bit of research and a few applications can make your financial journey through college vastly easier.
Paying for College
Going to college is not getting any cheaper. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate students—including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is now around $36,436 at public institutions and $55,840 at private nonprofit colleges.
With these high costs, it comes as no surprise that over 80% of college students rely on some form of financial aid. Many students also take on loans:
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43.5 million Americans currently have federal student loan debt
The average student borrower owes approximately $37,718
Loans may seem like an easy solution in the short term, but they often result in long-term debt that can affect your choices after graduation.
Scholarships, however, are a different story. They don’t need to be paid back and can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—your reliance on student loans.
How Scholarships Can Reduce Student Debt
Unlike loans, scholarships for college students never need to be repaid. That’s why every scholarship for college you apply for is a step toward graduating with less financial stress.
Winning a scholarship for college students could mean fewer loans, smaller monthly payments after graduation, and the freedom to pursue unpaid internships, research opportunities, or service work while in school.
The Benefits of Scholarships Beyond Financial Aid
Yes, scholarships help with tuition—but they also offer much more. Receiving scholarships for college can enhance your resume, connect you to prestigious organizations, and open the door to exciting opportunities.
Some scholarship programs include mentorship, access to career development resources, and invitations to leadership events or academic conferences. These experiences can shape your college years—and your future.
Types of Scholarships
NSHSS is here to help you land scholarships. We break down the big picture in this article about the 8 Types of Scholarships:
- Need-Based
- Government
- Art
- Athletic
- Academic
- Minority Students
- Women
- Community Service
What Qualifies You for a Scholarship
Every good student stands out in some way, and there’s a good chance that there’s a scholarship opportunity just waiting for you to apply. We even have an article about this on our blog: Searching for Scholarships Tailored Just for You.
Some of the more common areas that qualify students for scholarships include:
- Academic Excellence
- Athletics
- Leadership
- Entrepreneurship
- Literature
- Music
- Visual Art
- Theater
- STEM
- Sustainability/Environment
- Community Service
But those are only the more “obvious” qualifications. You can also find scholarships for special criteria such as:
All you have to do is begin your research. The opportunities are there for you to find.
Common Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong students can slip up on scholarship applications. Some of the most common errors include:
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Missing the deadline
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Not following the application instructions
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Submitting a generic essay
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Forgetting to proofread
Avoiding these mistakes can give you a much better chance of standing out—and getting noticed.
How to Stand Out in Your Scholarship Applications
To improve your chances of landing a scholarship for college, showcase your strengths clearly. Be specific about your goals, tell your story, and don’t be afraid to show passion for your intended major or cause.
Letters of recommendation, thoughtful personal essays, and a polished application go a long way in making a strong impression.
Researching and Applying for Scholarships
Our NSHSS blog is loaded with useful articles about scholarships. Here are a few to get you started:
Top Scholarship Resources to Help You Find Funding
There are many tools available to help you search for scholarships for college students. Here are a few popular resources:
- NSHSS Scholarships Page
- Scholarships360
- Fastweb
- College Board’s Scholarship Search
- Chegg Scholarships
- Scholarship Owl
- Local community organizations and foundations
Start local, then go national—and don’t forget to check with your school’s financial aid office too
When Is the Best Time to Apply for Scholarships?
The earlier you start, the better. Many scholarship deadlines fall between October and March, but others are open year-round.
Start your search in your junior year of high school—or even earlier if you can. Once you're in college, keep applying. There are plenty of scholarships for college students available during all four years of your undergraduate experience.
What Happens After You Win a Scholarship?
Congratulations! Now it’s time to make sure the funds are processed correctly. In many cases, the money goes directly to your college to be applied toward tuition and fees.
Some scholarships are sent to you as a check. Be sure to check the terms—some may have requirements like GPA minimums, volunteer service, or updates each semester.
NSHSS Scholarships
The first place you should look for scholarships is right here at NSHSS. Every year, we offer more than $2.5 million in awards to promising students.
You can learn about all these opportunities on our NSHSS Scholarships page.
About NSHSS
Since 2002, NSHSS has supported young academics on their journey to college and beyond as they prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow. The mission behind NSHSS is to recognize academic excellence and honor high-achieving students, providing them with the resources and network to excel in college, career, and community.
In doing so, NSHSS connects members with global events, scholarships, college fairs, internships, career and leadership programs, partner discounts, and more. Discover what makes NSHSS worth it to student members and how you can get involved.