There are many different places to source potential scholarships. Although most scholarship applications will occur during senior year, scholarship searching and planning can begin as early as freshmen year. There are also some scholarships you may be able to apply to even earlier.  There is no simple answer to the question of whether or not an individual student may qualify for financial aid or a scholarship, since eligibility is determined by a number of factors, including income, assets, liabilities, number of children attending college, scholarship, school and community activities.

1.  Merit-based scholarships that may be awarded when a student meets or exceeds certain standards or criteria set forth by the scholarship provider. This may include academic, sports, musical talent or a particular trait; or, a combination of criteria.

2. Need-based scholarships which are given based on financial need. Scholarships are gifts and are not paid back.

Usual Scholarship Sources:

• Campus-based: Awarded through colleges or career schools. Make sure you are checking the websites and applications for your intended campuses/programs to see what opportunities might be available. Often you must apply for these scholarships BEFORE you are accepted or decide on a campus. These scholarships may also be offered without an application as part of your financial aid package. For an example of CSU campus-based scholarships, see the list provided above. See Large Merit Scholarship list below for more ideas.

• Local Organizations: Foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups located in our community often offer scholarships for local students. For our campus, many of these scholarships are listed in Naviance under the Scholarship List maintained by the CCC (more info below on this resource). However, you should also check in with an organizations you are affiliated with (or others in your family participate in) to see if they have scholarships available.

• Career/Discipline Organizations: This might including professional associations or other organizations related to your field of interest

• Employers, Unions, Banks: Your employer, your parent/guardians' employers, and sometimes even your grandparents' employers may offer scholarships for dependents or grandchildren. This is also true for any unions, credit unions, or organizations your family members might be members of as part of their job or otherwise.

  • • Example Companies that offer scholarships for employees or dependents of employees: Amy's, Starbuck's, Medtronic

    • Example Union Scholarships:

      • • CTE/Teachers: https://www.cta.org/for-educators/scholarships-awards/cta-scholarships

        • Multiple Unions: https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/education/union-plus-scholarships

        • School Employees: https://csea.com/chapters/645 

        • Pipe Fitters Trade Unions: http://calpipes.org/scholarship.aspx 

    • Example Credit Union Scholarship: https://www.traviscu.org/community/financial-education-free-community-events/scholarships/guidelines/

• Scholarship Websites/Applications: There are many websites and applications that can help you find scholarships. See information below for ideas.

• Google Search: Sometimes you can find great scholarship lists by searching Google. Try putting your major or other key words and the word "scholarships" into Google and see what you find!