Financial Options
Gaining acceptance to your top choice school can be one of the most exciting, rewarding moments of your high school career. If you’re not selected the first 5 scholarships you apply to, apply to 5 more! If you want to make your dream of attending your top-choice school a reality, it will require time, effort, and above all, perseverance. You should constantly be on the lookout for scholarship or grant opportunities; these come around more than you might think, and applying to as many as you can maximizes your chances at winning at least a few.
General Scholarship Resources
For many schools, submitting your application makes you eligible for a range of school-specific scholarships. Take a minute researching and reviewing scholarship opportunities at each school as a major part of your college search. For example, many incoming freshmen are awarded dean's scholarships on the basis of academic merit, financial need, community service, or leadership.
General (but BIG ) list of scholarships
Scholarships just for you based on your strengths, interests, and skills
Scholarship listings for BiPOC students
Unique Scholarships
There is a scholarship for almost anything you can imagine. Make a list of what makes you - YOU -interests, hobbies, talents personal, unique attributes. Once you have your list start your investigation looking at major organizations, local groups, and private corporations that may have educational funding. No matter what you enjoy doing or what makes you stand out, there will be a scholarship to reward you for simply being you.
Scholarships for the Creative types
32 weird scholarships
to save you money
Stem scholarships
Offset some of the costs of earning a public health degree
Federal and State Options
The U.S. Department of Education offers a number of subsidized and unsubsidized loans for students to pay for school, each with different repayment and interest rate terms. If you are financially eligible, FAFSA can also hook you up with federal work-study, which helps you earn a paycheck while you are in school.
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. Depending on the academic year in which you begin study, an annual TAP award can be up to $5,165. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.
Private Loans
If you've exhausted your federal and state aid resources, then a private loan may be an option. The private loan industry varies widely depending on the lender with interest rates from 2.5 to 10 percent. Many require a minimum payment while students are in school, and offer deferment or grace periods upon graduation.