Scholarships & Financial Aid

It's never too early to start applying for scholarships. We highly recommend that you begin searching in your junior year and check back often.

College Based Scholarships

Although not all schools award merit-based scholarships, those that do are very valuable because they'll likely renew all four years.

But the process for giving out scholarship money varies from school to school. You should also check the department of the major you’re considering, which may have its own scholarships and process for awarding them. 

Go to the college's website, type in the word "scholarship" and see what process the college will be using to give out their scholarship opportunities. You can also contact your school's financial aid department directly.

10 Tips for Student Applying for Foundation Scholarships

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College Covered Financial Aid Timeline

Some financial aid is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Below is a guide to staying ahead of the deadlines so you don't miss out on any potential financial. *NOTE* this is a general guideline, so check with your college(s) for deadlines.

SEPTEMBER:

• Create a FAFSA ID, which is your username for certain US Department of Education sites, at FSAID.ed.gov.

• Prepare for the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by gathering financial and tax information as well as Social Security and driver's license or government ID numbers.

• Mark the calendar with the financial aid deadlines for each school you are applying to.

• Research and apply for scholarships. Check with your high school counselor for suggestions and information about local options.

OCTOBER:

• The FAFSA becomes available. Complete this early, as some schools offer financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis

NOVEMBER:

• Once you submit your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Review the SAR and make any corrections to your FAFSA, if needed.

DECEMBER:

• Accept your early decision financial aid package, if applicable.

JANUARY:

• Continue applying for scholarships

MARCH:

• Compare financial aid offers from your potential schools

MAY 1:

• National Decision Day. Notify the school you plan to attend and pay your deposit no later than May 1.

JUNE 30: 

• Last day to apply for FAFSA for those already in college and seeking financial aid for the year you've just completed.