Money is tight for many college students, but with the vast amount of scholarships available it’s possible to get financial freedom through interest-free grants.
The University Office of Academic Advising sees many students throughout the year and hears of firsthand financial concerns with the majority of these students, according to Jennifer Joslin, director of academic advising.
“(Students) talk about finding jobs on- and off-campus; balancing school and work; the importance of graduating in a timely manner; the need to work over the summer to pay for school,” Joslin said. Financial concerns for college students are not uncommon, as University sophomore Emily Adams experienced firsthand.
“I go to school and then I go to work, but I’m still barely able to pay my bills,” Adams said. “Financial aid has helped me for school, but I’ve never applied for scholarships.”
While applications for the general University and Laurel scholarships were due Jan. 15 for incoming freshmen and transfer students, returning students are given until Feb. 15 to turn in their applications.
“I filed my scholarship application last week,” University junior Daniel Johnson said. “It’s important to me that I know my application was done on time and I did everything I could to get the scholarship.”
Johnson said he has received scholarships in prior years and hopes to continue receiving scholarships to help him pay for school and housing.
“Advisers in our office encourage students to learn about scholarships using the financial aid website and attending financial aid presentations, as well as by going to the Office of Financial Aid,” Joslin said. “Students are encouraged to look for scholarship information throughout the year.”
The admissions office, financial aid office and the academic departments for specific majors all have scholarships available for students.
Scholarships come in many different amounts, and while larger awards might seem more appealing, they also provide a stronger field of applicants and more competition. Meanwhile, smaller scholarships can be easier to achieve, and receiving more can add up to large amounts.
It’s also important to remember that scholarships come in two forms: Merit-based scholarships are based on academic achievement, leadership and involvement, and need-based scholarships are based on an applicant’s federal financial aid and estimated family contribution.
Students must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive need-based aid for the upcoming academic year.
Regardless of which scholarships you qualify for, it is important to gather all application materials as early as possible and to meet all application deadlines.
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