2020-2021 Information
How Do I Pay for College?
Most college applicants are concerned about the level of debt they will take on to pay for a college degree. Fortunately, the more scholarships and grants a student can receive, the less he/she needs to borrow.
But where do you start looking for scholarships? The following is a short list to get you started, more details follow if you scroll down the rest of the page.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Research and gather information about scholarships: Here's a good link to information from debt.org
- Think about who you are: Are there scholarships that match your interests and ambitions?
- For example
- There are scholarships and grants for women, minorities and other groups (click here)
- There are scholarships based on career choice (click here)
- There are scholarships awarded by specific colleges (click here)
- Do you or your parents belong to any organizations, clubs or memberships that may sponsor a scholarship?
- Additionally, local scholarships may be available:
- For example
Before You Start: Be Aware of Scams
There are tons of legitimate scholarships and grants available for application. While you should take your time and apply for as many scholarships as possible you also want to be on the lookout for scams. As a general rule of thumb you should never pay an application fee and be wary of scholarships services that guarantee success. You also shouldn’t pay for a list of scholarships. If you look in the right places you can find scholarships yourself.
Make Sure to Fill Out Your FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA, should be one of the first things you worry about. The FAFSA can help you get college grants and can be used as an application for certain state grants as well.
With the FAFSA you may be able to qualify for the following federal grants:
With the FAFSA you may be able to qualify for the following federal grants:
- Federal Pell Grants
- (FSEOG) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
- (TEACH Grants) Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
Have Your Parents Check with Their Employer
Many employers will award scholarships to the children of their employees. For example, The Corona-Norco Teacher's association offers a scholarship for their member's children (click here to see it). Have your mother or father check with their Human Resources Department to find out more information.
Other examples:If you are currently employed its also a good idea to check with your employer to find out what scholarships are available
Other examples:If you are currently employed its also a good idea to check with your employer to find out what scholarships are available
Check with Community and Religious Organizations
Many community and religious organizations offer scholarships locally.
This includes:
This includes:
- Sport teams
- Churches
- Local businesses
Local and General Scholarships
Santiago High School puts together a list of both local scholarships and general scholarships.
Mrs. Wendt in the College and Career Center should be able to give you more information: Lisa.Wendt@cnusd.k12.ca.us
Mrs. Wendt in the College and Career Center should be able to give you more information: Lisa.Wendt@cnusd.k12.ca.us
Click Here for a list of local Scholarships
Click Here to Access the Local Scholarships Application
General Scholarships
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Scholarships from Perspective Colleges
Many colleges, both public and private, will have endowments for incoming freshmen that are declaring specific majors. For example, Cal State Fullerton has a number of scholarships for freshmen interested in the arts: http://www.fullerton.edu/arts/students/scholarships.php
Use Websites to Search for National Scholarship Opportunities:
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Scholarships.com:
Founded in 1998, Scholarships.com has helped students find money for college as well as learn about the entire financial aid process. Please click here for more information. |
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Fastweb.com: Fastweb matches the information in your completed profile to scholarships from their database. Please click here for more information. |
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Bigfuture.collegeboard.org:
Find scholarships, other financial aid and internships from more than 2,200 programs, totaling nearly $6Billion. Please click here for more information. |
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