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Archive for the ‘College Financing’ Category
Friday, July 9th, 2010
Colleges love to see a pplicants who have gone the extra mile to find challenging coursework and become accustomed to college life. In other words, colleges love to see students who have taken college courses during high school. One of the best ways for prospective students to do this is by attending a college summer program. With room and board, a single session of such a program can cost as much as $10,000. However, financial aid does exist for summer school students, and with a few pointers a student could attend an 8 week session for as little as a few hundred dollars.
1. Choose your summer program wisely. One of the worst kept secrets in college admissions is that a school’s overall prestige has little correlation with the quality of its summer program. Even the top schools in the Ivy League hire professors from local colleges to teach their summer term courses. Thus, you should all-but-disregard prestige when choosing a summer program, looking instead at its cost and proximity to the colleges that interest you (after all, campus visits are a large part of the summer school package).
2. Look at the financial aid offered through the program itself. Some programs cover more than half of the total cost for eligible students.
3. Apply (early) for the www.questbridge.org College Prep scholarship. This award provides a full-ride to select summer programs.
4. Apply for any local scholarships that you can find. Local awards often have more flexible rules governing when a recipient can use the money, and many will let students apply funds toward a college summer program.
5. Talk to the leaders of clubs of which you or your parents are members. Some set aside funding specifically to help students pursue niche-type educational goals for which few other sources of aid exist.
Summer school can be expensive and is by no means a necessity. However, it can be a great experience if you can find enough financial aid.
This article was contributed by Dakota Meyers, who just completed his freshman year at Yale University and is a regular contributor to the CollegeTreasure.com andAdmissionHook.com blogs. He is a 2009 graduate of Hoisington High School in Hoisington, KS. At Hoisington High, he won varsity letters in debate, speech, scholars’ bowl, and band. He won the 2009 3A Kansas State Championship in extemporaneous speech.
At Yale, Dakota intends to major in Economics and Mathematics. He writes for the campus publication Business Sphere and is an active member of the Yale chapter of Nourish International. He also participates in the Yale Political Union as a member of the Independent Party.
As a current college student, Dakota has recent first-hand experience with the college admission process.
Technorati Tags: applying for summer financial aid, college financial aid, locating financial aid for summer school, scholarships for summer programs, scholarships for summer school, summer financial aid
Tags: applying for summer financial aid, college financial aid, locating financial aid for summer school, scholarships for summer programs, scholarships for summer school, summer financial aid
Posted in College Financing | 2 Comments »
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 The University of New Haven is a Liberal Arts college with an emphasis on Career Preparation. The financial aid application process can be exhausting and complicated. Some students, through preparation or chance, will find the process easy because they have at their disposal everything that they need. However, many are left confused and alone five minutes before their colleges’ financial aid application deadlines. If you read (and use!) the following list, you will be one of the former rather than the latter.
Juniors:
The good news: You can take your time! Set aside 30 minutes each day and begin to browse through scholarships. Apply for all of them that you can find, which won’t be many compared to the number that you’ll find next year.
The bad news: It’s difficult to stay motivated during junior year, and your likelihood of winning multiple scholarships is low. Remember, financial aid is a marathon not a sprint; hang in there!
· Necessary Information:
· Your parents or guardians’ complete tax returns and W2 Forms
· A list containing the net value of each of their assets, including home value but excluding tax-exempt, 401K type retirement plans
· Your complete tax returns and W2 Forms
· A list containing the net value of each of your assets
Things to-do:
· Start your scholarship search.
· Apply to all of the scholarships for which you are eligible.
· Draft a rough list of the colleges to which you plan to apply, and check their financial aid offerings and requirements.
· Begin to consult with your high school counselor (make him or her your friend).
· Consult with your parents’ financial advisor, their tax preparer, or a family member who knows a lot about finance. Ask questions about the taxability of specific scholarships and financial aid components in order to get a better idea of how much college will cost.
Seniors:
The good news: You are the prime target for most scholarships! Seniors in general are more likely to win scholarships than students in any other grade, and it will be easier for you to start a confidence-snowball.
The bad news: The second semester of senior year is the 11th hour for financial aid. Get ready for late nights and weekends of essay writing. Just remember, many students will be in the same position.
Necessary Information:
· Your parents or guardians’ complete tax returns and W2 Forms
· A list containing the net value of each of their assets, including home value but excluding tax-exempt, 401K type retirement plans
· Your complete tax returns and W2 Forms
· A list containing the net value of each of your assets
Things to-do:
· Spend an hour or more each day looking for scholarships.
· Apply to all of them for which you are eligible.
· Finalize your list of colleges and figure out the net cost of each. Carefully read each college’s financial aid application instructions (you’ll submit much of the necessary information when you apply to each school, unless you plan to do so early).
· Consult extensively with your high school counselor about financial aid options, and ask him or her to proofread your applications.
· Pose any last-minute tax related questions to your parents’ financial advisor, their tax preparer, or a family member who has extensive knowledge of personal finance.
The financial aid application process can be taxing and confusing. However, if you use the checklist outlined above, you will have an advantage over many applicants.
Technorati Tags: academic excellence scholarships, academic scholarships, college financing, college funding, college-based merit scholarships, FAFSA, financial aid, financial aid checklist, financial aid deadlines, university academic scholarships
Tags: academic excellence scholarships, academic scholarships, college financing, college funding, college-based merit scholarships, FAFSA, financial aid, financial aid checklist, financial aid deadlines, university academic scholarships
Posted in College Financing | 2 Comments »
Thursday, May 6th, 2010
 Students On Mitchell College in New London Connecticut The American Opportunity Credit is one of the best education related tax incentives, and knowing how to use it can save qualifying taxpayers up to $2,500 per year.
Any part or full-time student who attends a postsecondary institution eligible to participate in federal student aid programs (this includes nearly all universities, colleges, and technical schools in the United States) may qualify for the credit. A qualifying student must also have been enrolled in postsecondary courses for fewer than four years prior to any year in which he or she uses the deduction. In other words, students are usually eligible for the credit during their freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years of undergraduate studies but not during graduate school. Parents may claim an American Opportunity Credit for each dependent child enrolled in a post-secondary institution; however, a student and his or her parents may not claim the credit simultaneously. Additionally, one cannot claim both the American Opportunity Credit and the Hope Credit.
The amount of the rebate is based on the amount a student (or his or her parents) spends on qualifying expenses during a particular year. Qualifying expenses include tuition, fees, and books and supplies necessary for a student’s program of study. The cost of room and board is not considered a qualifying expense. Any expenses paid by a scholarship or grand do not count toward the credit.
The exact amount of the tax credit is given by the following formula: 100% of the first $2,000 in expenses and 25% of the next $2,000. In other words, if a student has $4,000 or more in qualifying expenses in a specific year, he or she may claim the maximum $2,500 tax credit; however, if the student has only $3,000 of qualifying expenses, he or she may only claim a $2,250 credit. Up to 40% of the credit is refundable; thus, if a student needed to pay no income tax and could claim an American Opportunity Credit of $2,000, he or she would receive a refund check for $800.
Cutting through the IRS jargon, the rules for the credit are essentially as follows:
· Almost any student in the first through fourth years of postsecondary education may claim the credit.
· Parents of a dependent student may claim the credit; however, in this scenario, the student cannot also claim it.
· Students may not claim an American Opportunity Credit in addition to a Hope Credit or tuition and fees deduction.
· Costs paid by a scholarship or grant are not considered qualifying expenses.
· Nearly all costs (except cost of living expenses and room and board fees) related to necessary courses are considered qualifying expenses.
Over four years, the American Opportunity Credit could save a student’s family up to $10,000. However, in order to accrue these savings, one must be aware of the credit’s guidelines and keep a record of qualifying expenses. For additional information, consult IRS Publication 970.
Technorati Tags: american opportunity tax grant, college financing, college funding, FAFSA, financial aid, hope credit, lifetime learning credit
Tags: american opportunity tax grant, college financing, college funding, FAFSA, financial aid, hope credit, lifetime learning credit
Posted in College Financing | 1 Comment »
Sunday, February 21st, 2010
Increasing college and university costs make decision-making more and more pertinent for younger students.
Tuition outpaces the rate of inflation and has for more than 30 years. With most colleges and universities releasing data that indicates increases at 5 percent to 6 percent in tuition and fees, most students need to stick with a four-year plan of attack. Students unsure of majors can cost themselves or their parents for a fifth year of college. In today’s money, for tuition alone, a fifth year of college at a private institution will cost $35,636 (including room and board) and at a public institution, $15,213 (including room and board at an in-state rates).
While there seems to be no end in sight for increasing college costs, being better prepared when entering those college or university doors may mean big savings. According to MyMajors.com founder Dr. Fritz Grupe, failing to get started on time with a highly structured major such as engineering or computer science, may make an extra year of studies necessary, costing not only an extra year of tuition, but also books, lodging and meals, lost wages and a delay in beginning “real” life.
Grupe says about 80 percent of incoming first-year students lack focus and that indecision can be expensive. To help undecided students, especially those finishing the last couple of years in high school, Grupe created an interactive Web site that unites school experience and personal values to recommend majors. The majors are for consideration and direction, plus the site features other information about coursework and the jobs they could lead to and other resources to find success in those specific majors.
Grupe says most students can be helped, including those who fall into categories like “naïve,” “indecisives,” and “the clueless.” These are students that think they know what career they would like, but careers and majors are not the same things. Perhaps they cannot see how to make the transition from the career they want to a major that will get them there. Maybe they simply do not know what majors are available. Or they are students who waffle on all decisions and are overwhelmed under the weight of so much data. Still others lack direction.
The Web site www.MyMajors.com may just be that resource designed to aid students and to recommend majors that appear to be good ones based on the student’s high school experience and personal values. In providing direction, Grupe’s creation may provide tangible savings for the student and parents.
Technorati Tags: Add new tag, choosing a major, college advising, college major, college planning, college selection
Tags: Add new tag, choosing a major, college advising, college major, college planning, college selection
Posted in Career Resources, College Financing, College Resources | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Are you interested in joining the armed forces? Do you need money for college? Consider joining an ROTC program. These programs are designed to teach military tactics as well as to promote leadership and character. The core regimen consists of two years of special elective classes, exercises, and workshops. Students may participate in this regimen without committing to serve in the armed forces. Those who commit to serve after college may elect to take an additional two years of courses and apply for ROTC scholarship aid.
The Army, Navy, and Air Force each have their own ROTC program, and eligibility requirements vary by branch. However, to participate in the core regimen, students generally must:
- Meet physical fitness requirements
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Score at least 19 on the ACT or 920 on the SAT (excluding the writing section). The Navy and Air Force require slightly higher scores.
- Enroll in a college or university that offers an ROTC program (this includes nearly all major institutions).
- Attend ROTC courses and exercises for two to four years. In most cases, ROTC courses count as elective credits.
Additionally, in order to receive scholarship aid, students must:
- Apply for aid. The application includes a basic online component, a counselor certification, a personal statement, a resume, a physical fitness assessment, and an interview. The application focuses entirely upon merit rather than financial need.
- Commit to serve (usually between five and ten years) in the armed forces after college. This often includes a term of active duty service followed by service in a reserve unit. In most cases, students may opt-out of a scholarship after freshman year without having to complete the post-graduate service requirement.
- Meet standards of academic merit, extra curricular activity, and leadership experience similar to those required by a college application
Applicants are selected based on merit and intended field of study, with priority generally given to technical fields. Scholarships are available for both high school seniors and college underclassmen. Details about scholarships vary by military branch, but most include a yearly tuition payment ranging from $3,000 to full tuition, up to $900 per semester for books, and monthly stipends for living expenses. Most scholarships have applications deadlines in December and January and recommend that students apply early. Interested college students should talk to their school’s ROTC representative. High school students should talk to an academic advisor or local recruitment officer.
For more information, visit the following websites:
ROTC scholarships require a steep post-graduate commitment. Students looking only for financial aid should explore other options before the ROTC. However, for those interested in joining the military, an ROTC scholarship is a great way to pay for college.
Technorati Tags: college financing, military, ROTC, ROTC Scholarship, scholarships
Tags: college financing, military, ROTC, ROTC Scholarship, scholarships
Posted in College Financing, College Resources | 1 Comment »
Monday, December 14th, 2009
As the year 2009 comes to an end, parents of high school students in the class of 2010 should start getting prepared to file financial aid forms. The early bird definitely gets the financial aid worm. While the FAFSA worksheet advises families to wait until they have filed their taxes to complete the FAFSA, this puts families at a definite disadvantage. One dean of admissions used this analogy when describing financial aid: “Financial aid is like a pot of soup. The first couple of ladles will be full, but when you get to the end, if the soup is gone, you can’t have any.” Do not needlessly put yourself at the back of the financial aid line. You should start to file your FAFSA as early in the new year as possible. While you cannot file the form until after January 1, here are the things you should be doing now:
1. Apply for pin numbers (www.pin.ed.gov). These will serve as the online signature for the student and the parent (you each need your own pin number). If you are a parent and you have older children who have previously filed a FAFSA, you will use the same pin number. The pin number is a 4 digit number, and now they allow you to choose the number. I recommend choosing either a common pin number, or the last four digits of your social security number. While you can retrieve the pin number if you forget it, you need to enter the answer to a challenge question and it is case sensitive. So, if you can’t remember the exact answer within three tries you will be locked out.
2. Print out the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet , and start filling in as much as you can. Since it is based on the 2009 tax information, and your 2009 taxes won’t be done for a while, you should estimate (there is a question that asks if the data is estimated or from a completed tax form). If your 2009 information will be similar to your 2008 tax information, you can just use the 2008 tax return to estimate numbers. Your assets should be current as of the day you file. If your income will be significantly different, follow our next tip:
3. Save your last few pay check stubs of 2009. Use the Year To Date income information to estimate your W-2 income. The way I recommend preparing to fill in your FAFSA is to get together your 2008 taxes and your 2009 paycheck stubs. Go to an tax calculator, such as the one on www.hrblock.com. Use your paycheck stubs to enter all your income information, then use your 2008 tax return for questions such as itemized deductions, interest income, and dividend income. When you are done, it will give you an estimate of your AGI, as well as your 2009 income tax.
Fill out the worksheet as completely as possible so you are ready to fill out your FAFSA on the web application, www.fafsa.ed.gov, as soon as possible after January 1. If you can, look at some EFC (Expected Family Contribution) Calculators and estimate what the schools are going to expect you to pay, so you can know now. That will give you the opportunity to make some changes before filing, if it is going to be possible to lower your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). We have our own calculator at CollegeTreasure.com. We will also be putting videos of our Free FAFSA days online. In our free FAFSA days we will walk families step by step through the filing of the FAFSA form. Also, look in the CollegeTreasure.com resource area for our coming video on filling out the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet and common mistakes that cost people money.
Technorati Tags: 2010-11 FAFSA, Add new tag, EFC, EFC calculator, FAFSA, financial aid, need-based aid
Tags: 2010-11 FAFSA, Add new tag, EFC, EFC calculator, FAFSA, financial aid, need-based aid
Posted in College Financing | 2 Comments »
Monday, December 7th, 2009
Latinos and Latinas are American’s largest and fastest growing minority group. According to the US Census Bureau, Hispanics made up 15% of the total US population in 2008. Yet unfortunately Latino/as have the lowest high school completion rate and college attendance rate of any racial or ethnic group. Latino/a students face a number of barriers in their educational careers including language, social, cultural, citizenship and – perhaps most importantly – economic challenges. As a subcategory, Hispanic women additionally face their own unique social concerns and cultural challenges which affect their ability to attend college. Because of these institutional obstacles, however, numerous private, public and college-based scholarships have been created to help close the gap is Hispanic college attendance rates, many of which are designed specifically for Latinas. An abundance of college funding sources see the wisdom in helping to end the under-education of Latino/a youth – the fastest growing segment of the American workforce – and in working to increase female representation in college. Below are some of the most popular scholarship opportunities for Latino/as and Hispanic women.
In addition to the number of specific sources for Latino/a scholarships, you can find more opportunities at www.latinocollegedollars.org, a scholarship database solely for Hispanic students.
General Scholarships and Resources for Latino/a Students
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is an organization that indentifies and supports young Latino/a leaders in the classroom and community. The Foundation has honored more over 1,500 students and awarded more than $3,000,000 in educational grants. The Foundation’s website also provides a list of many other scholarship opportunities available to Latino/a students.
www.hispanicheritage.org
The Hispanic College Fund is both a scholarship program and an organization designed to support Latino/a students on their path through school. Since 1993, HCF has given away $15 million in scholarships to over 5,000 Hispanic young people. Applicants must be a US citizens or a permanent resident residing in the 50 states or Puerto Rico, must have a minimum GPA of a 3.0, must plan to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student during the following year in the US.
www.hispanicfund.org
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund provides the Hispanic community more college scholarships and educational outreach support than any other organization in the country. In its 34 year history, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund has awarded close to $280 million in scholarships to more than 90,000 students in need. Two-thirds of these students were the first in their families to go to college.
www.hsf.net
The Gates Millennium Scholars program is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and has sponsored over 13,000 students since its creations. Applicants must be African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian and Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American, US citizens or legal permanent residents or nationals, have a minimum GPA of 3.3, will be enrolling for the first-time at a U.S. accredited college or university as a full-time, degree-seeking, first-year student in the following year, have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities, and must meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria.
www.gmsp.org
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities represents over 450 colleges and universities which are committed to higher education for Hispanics. The organization also funds a number of program specific scholarship for students who attend one of its member schools. Scholarships amounts depend on field of study and the largest scholarship is over $3500.
www.hacu.net
The ASPIRA Association, Inc. provides information about a number of educational opportunities and scholarships for Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics.
www.aspira.org/manuals/scholarships
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc. offers scholarship opportunities to Latino students in the United States who have a history of performing public service-oriented activities in their communities and who demonstrate a desire to continue their civic engagement in the future. There is no GPA or academic major requirement. Students with excellent leadership potential are encouraged to apply. Scholarships are one-time awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The CHCI also provides extensive information about other scholarships, internships and fellowships for Latino/a youth.
www.chci.org
College Board’s National Hispanic Scholar Recognition Program provides annual awards for outstanding Hispanic high school students who are U.S. citizens. Students must take the PSAT/NMSQT test in the fall of their high school junior year during which they must affirm their Hispanic heritage - this is the initial screening and the first opportunity for students to qualify for the program. Students who score well are then asked to complete an application form. Award is based on recommendations, SAT scores, extracurricular activities, community service, high school academic transcripts and records, and personal attributes.
www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about/scholarships.html
Cuban-American Scholarship Fund a scholarship program for undergraduate or graduate students of Cuban descent with a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents of California. Maximum award amount is $2,000.
No website available.
Latin American Education Foundation has provided over $5 million in scholarships to Hispanic students or students involved in the Hispanic community. Applicants must be Colorado residents, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and commit 10-community service hours during year of funding.
www.laef.org
League of United Latin American Citizens: National Educational Service Centers, Inc. provides scholarships in variable amount to Latino/a students through their local branches.
www.lulac.org
McDonald’s Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources (HACER) Program has awarded $1.3 million in scholarships to Hispanic high school graduates entering college.
www.rmhc.org
Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund provides undergraduate scholarships of $2,000. Applicant must be Hispanic, a resident of Florida, US Citizen, and have at least a 3.00 GPA.
www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org
The Sallie Mae Fund First in My Family Scholarship Program, developed in partnership with the Hispanic College Fund, offers scholarships to Hispanic-American students who are the first in their family to attend college, and have financial need. The program is open to Hispanic Americans who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at approved, accredited institutions who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000.
www.thesalliemaefund.org
The Adelante Fund Scholarship Program sponsors several scholarship programs with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Criteria vary by scholarship but most require a minimum 3.0 GPA, Hispanic heritage and either US citizenship or legal permanent resident status. See website for more information.
www.adelantefund.org
The Emerging Latino Leaders Scholarship Program is a national essay contest sponsored by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and Best Buy Children’s Foundation. Two $10,000 and three $5,000 scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and community service.
www.lideres.nclr.org
The La Unidad Latina Foundation offers academic scholarships of $250 to $1,000 for Hispanic students enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program at a 4-year US college or university. Applicants must have completed one full-time year of undergraduate education or at least one full-time semester of graduate study and GPA between 2.8 and 3.6
www.lulfoundation.org .
The Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund provides more than 100 scholarships worth more than $150,000 to Orange County Hispanic students. Award amounts range from $500 to $4,000. Applicants must either be graduating from an OC high school or transferring from an OC community college. Minimum GPA requirements vary by scholarship program. All applicants must demonstrate financial need. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, community service and/or work history.
www.heef.org
The Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund offers the “Fulfilling Our Dreams” scholarships Salvadoran, Central American, and Latino high school seniors, college students and graduate or professional students who reside and study in California, Houston or Washington DC. The scholarships are open to all students regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Applicants must be majoring in health-related fields of study, theology, philosophy, cultural studies, environmental studies or social justice. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Award amounts range from $500 to $2,500 (some may be renewable). A minimum 2.5 GPA is required; some awards require at least a 3.0 GPA. Scholarship recipients are expected to participate in community service and/or mentorship of high school students.
www.salef.org
Scholarships for Latino/as in Certain Fields
The Smithsonian Institution offers the Latino Studies Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships to facilitate research related to Latino history, art and culture using Smithsonian resources. The predoctoral fellowships provide a stipend of $27,000 per year plus allowances. The postdoctoral fellowships offer a stipend of $42,000 per year plus allowances. There is also a research allowance of up to $4,000.
www.si.edu/ofg
The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement provides the ComEd Latino Scholarship Fund which awards five $2,500 scholarships to Illinois residents who have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Eligible majors include accounting, business, chemistry, communications, computer science, engineering, pre-law, mathematics, media relations and physics. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic excellence and community service.
www.hace-usa.org
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists offers several scholarships through the Rubén Salazar Scholarship Fund program. These scholarships are designed to encourage and assist Latino students pursue careers in journalism. Awards from $1,000 to $2,000. The NAHJ also provides information about a number of other scholarships available to Hispanic students interested in journalism.
www.nahj.org
The Advancing Hispanic Excellence in Technology, Engineering, Math, and Science (AHETEMS) Scholarship Program provides merit-based and need-based scholarships, in the amount of $1,000 - $5,000, to deserving Latino/a high school graduating seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students who demonstrate both significant motivation and aptitude for a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
www.ahetems.org
National Society of Hispanic MBAs provides scholarships for Hispanic business majors and Master of Business Administration graduate students of between $2,500 and $10,000. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited undergraduate institution, with some exceptions.
www.nshmba.org
National Association of Hispanic Nurses provides 27 Hispanic students entering or enrolled in an accredited school of nursing scholarships in the amount of $1,000. The NAHN also provides information about a number of other scholarships for Hispanic students.
www.thehispanicnurses.org
The Costco Pharmacy Scholars Program offers funds to students who are pursuing a degree in Pharmacy who have completed one-year of pharmacy school or are in their second year into their pharmacy education. Students who are chosen for the Pharmacy Scholars Program are required to work at a Costco Pharmacy store for at least one year and are awarded between $500 and $9,500. Applicants must be of Hispanic background, pursing a degree in Pharmacy, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in the United States or Puerto Rico, be studying full-time as an undergraduate at an accredited university in the United States or Puerto Rico, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
www.costcoscholarshipfund.org
The Google Hispanic Scholarship Program offers funds to students studying computer science or computer engineering who are juniors or seniors in college or pursuing a Master’s or PhD. Selected scholars will be invited to an all-expenses paid trip to the Google Headquarters in California. Must be Hispanic or of Hispanic background, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in the US, studying full-time in the US or Puerto Rico, and have at least a 3.5 GPA.
See Hispanic Scholarship Fund for more details.
World Studio.org is a non-profit, international arts organization that promotes the work and education of minority and disadvantaged students in the fields of graphic arts, painting, furniture design, new media, photography, and other art forms. Awards range from $2,000 to $6,000.
www.scholarships.worldstudioinc.com
Scholarships for Hispanic Women
While tradition and social conditions have sometimes limited the opportunities available to women in the past, today this struggle may prove to be an advantage when it comes to getting scholarship money. In fact, minority women, especially those with a passion for math, science or computers, have more leverage power for earning scholarship money than almost any other group! Here are just a few scholarships for Latinas.
Hispanic Women in Leadership awards scholarships to graduating seniors based on academic performance, leadership, and economic need. Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university in Texas, ranked in the upper 1/4 of her class, and submit several supporting documents such as letters of recommendation and essays.
www.hwil.org
The AT&T Labs Fellowship Program offers three-year fellowships to outstanding under-represented minority and women students pursuing PhD studies in computing and communications-related fields. In addition to one-on-one mentoring, the fellowship pays all education expenses as well as a living stipend. Each recipient participates in a summer internship the first summer in the program, working in a research team at AT&T Labs Research. Applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident, female or member of a minority underrepresented in science fields (Hispanic, African-American, or Native American)senior graduating in the current academic year or in their first or second year of grad school, currently enrolled, or planning to enroll, in a graduate school program leading to a PhD, and major field must be in computer science, math, statistics, electrical engineering, operations research, systems engineering, industrial engineering, or related fields.
www.research.att.com
The Hispanic Women’s Corporation Scholarship Program provides not only tuition support, but advice, encouragement, peer contact with the colleges, role models, an alumni base and success stories to motivate students. Monetary awards are based on grade point average, need, interest, volunteerism and dedication. Awards have ranged from $300 to $10,000 annually. HWC awards over 50 scholarships annually and students are presented at the annual HWC Scholarship Benefit Luncheon. HWC also provides information about additional sites for scholarship availability with descriptions and deadlines.
www.hispanicwomensconference.org
The Latin American Professional Women’s Foundation provides scholarship money to young women who can be considered “role models” for young Latinas. Award amount is $500.
No website available.
Project Cambio offers a scholarship to Hispanic women pursuing studies in a business-related program. The applicant must be planning a career change that will lead to advancement, a new proficiency or entry or re-entry into the work force. Applicants should have been out of high school at least 5 years.
No website available.
Society of Women Engineers Rockwell International Corp. Scholarships is for female minority students studying computer science or engineering who are attending or planning to attend an institution that is SWE approved or has an Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology program. Awards are based on academic achievement and leadership experience or potential. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000.
www.swe.org
Young Latinas Leadership Institute is a program of 100 Hispanic Women, a nonprofit, nonpartisan women’s organization with members from a wide range of industries and interests. The Institute provides students with annual scholarships of $1,000, leadership seminars, mentors, and internships. Five Latinas are selected every year. Applicants must be college freshmen at one of the City University of New York college campuses
www.100hispanicwomen.org
The Chicana/Latina Foundation Scholarship Fund assists Latina students to complete their undergraduate and graduate education. The scholarships are available on a competitive basis to continuing undergraduate and graduate female college students of Latino background. Applicants must be enrolled in accredited colleges or universities in one of the following Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marina, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, or Sonoma. In addition, applicants must be residents of the Bay area for at least two years at time of application, and must have demonstrated leadership and civic/community involvement. Awards are for $1,500. Recipients must agree to volunteer a minimum of five hours in support of the Chicana/Latina Foundation.
www.chicanalatina.org
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Tags: Add new tag, college scholarships, college-based merit scholarships, hispanic scholarships, scholarships for hispanic women
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Thursday, November 19th, 2009
Many students believe that they won’t be eligible for scholarships unless they’re the valedictorian or a star athlete or got a perfect score on their SAT. What these students don’t realize is that today there are scholarships for almost any skill or unique quality you can think of. You no longer have to break the state track record or win a national science fair to get money for college. Now you can earn scholarship money simply for having an unusual hobby or distinctive trait, for anything from knitting to being left-handed and from duck-calling to being interested in space and science fiction! Take a look at these weird, interesting, and fun scholarships we found and remember that applying for scholarships, just like the whole college admissions process, isn’t about being the world’s most perfect student but about highlighting your personal strengths and abilities.
Scholarships just for being you:
Tall Clubs International (TCI) Scholarship
This scholarship is for those who have always been asked to get things down from the top shelf. Tall Clubs International (TCI) offers a $1,000 scholarship for tall people, the Kae Sumner Einfeldt Scholarship. Women who are at least 5’10” and men who are at least 6’2” are eligible. Candidates must be under 21 years old and plan to attend college in the fall.
Little People of America Scholarship
By contrast, The Little People of America scholarship is an award given to future and current students who are 4′10″ or less in height attending a college or vocational school. Prizes range from $250 to $1,000—sometimes more. Although one does not have to be a little person to apply, the greatest preference is given to LPA members who have been diagnosed with a form of dwarfism. Students with dwarf-diagnosed family members and those who demonstrate financial need are also given preference.
Scholarship for Left-Handed Students
For those in the company of greats like Albert Einstein, Picasso, and Jimmi Hendrix, Juniata College offers the Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship of up to $1,000 for left-handed students.
Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Do you delight in finding new ways to cook tofu? Do your parents roll their eyes at your “meat is murder” bumper sticker? If so, you might be eligible for the Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship. High school seniors who promote vegetarianism in their schools and communities are eligible to win one of the group’s two $5,000 scholarships.
National Beef Ambassador Program
For those fonder of big macs than veggie burgers, a few lucky award winners will get the chance to represent the beef industry, and will receive a college scholarship. The National Beef Ambassador Program (NBAP) is a speech and interview competition for students between the ages of 16 to 19. Winners can earn between $250 and $2,500.
Twins Who Don’t Mind Seeing Each other for 4 More Years
Several schools offer scholarships for twins: Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, waives tuition for one twin when both enroll, Lake Erie College in Painsville, Ohio, offers half-off tuition for each twin, Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, has 45% discounts available on tuition for female twins only, Carl Albert State College in Oklahoma offers the Paula Nieto Twin Scholarship, George Washington University in Washington, DC gives a 50% discount for the second sibling, Randolph-Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, VA gives a 15% discount, Sterling College in Kansas offers a 50% discount for each twin, and West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers the Bonnie Evans Feinberg Scholarship for twins.
Last Name Scholarships
A number of schools offer scholarships for students with particular last names. The Zolp Scholarship is restricted to students at Loyola University in Chicago who are Catholic and whose last name is Zolp. The good news is, the scholarship provides full tuition for four years; the bad news is, have you ever heard of anyone named Zolp? Texas A&M University pays full cost of attendance at for anyone whose last name is Scarpinato by birth or marriage. The John Gatling Grant provides scholarships for students who were born with a surname of Gatling or Gatlin to attend NC State University. The scholarship provides up to $9,000 for in-state students and $18,000 for out-of-state students. The Van Valkenburg Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 to students with the Van Valkenburg name or a similar variation . Even Harvard University has several scholarships based on the student’s last name, including Baxendale, Hudson, Thayer, Downer, Bright.
Money for that unique hobby you never thought would pay off:
Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest
Students who can quack their hearts out for 90 seconds using four calls: hail, feed, comeback and mating and can win big ducks, I mean, bucks for higher education (we couldn’t resist a least one bad pun). Seriously though, The Duck Calling Contest awards $1,500 to the best duck-calling high school student. The first runner-up receives $500, the second $300 and the third $200 in scholarship money.
Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship
Now how to land a kickflip? Could you do Ollies in your sleep? The Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship awards one $5,000 and three $1,000 scholarships to skateboarders who are high school seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and submit an essay on how skateboarding has had a positive impact on their lives. Recipients must enroll as a full-time undergraduate at an accredited college or university the fall after high school graduation.
Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contest
In our first scholarship for sci-fi enthusiasts, student authors and artists can submit science fiction stories and/or illustrations to be considered for this award of up to $4,000. An entry consists of three black and white works illustrating a science fiction or fantasy story with no recurring theme. Entries may not have been previously published. Should the artist win the Illustrators Contest with their first entry, he is then sent a story from the companion L. Ron Hubbard Writers of The Future Contest for which to render an illustration. This illustration then becomes his or her entry in the yearly Grand Prize competition. Three winners are selected each quarter and are awarded $500 each; the yearly Grand Prize winner is awarded $4000.
American Welding Society Scholarships
Student welders familiar with trade skills such as allied joining, brazing, soldering and thermal spraying are eligible for this scholarship. The American Welding Society Foundation offers numerous scholarships to students interested in welding-related education or training programs. Award sizes depend on the scholarship.
SPAACSE Scholarships
The Society of Performers, Artists, Athletes and Celebrities for Space Exploration, Inc. (SPAACSE) offers two $1,000 scholarships: The SPAACSE Galaxy Music Scholarship for graduating high school seniors who are pursuing an interest in space music as a means of expressing the beauty and inspiration of the universe and The SPAACSE Liliane Webb Art Scholarship for graduating high school seniors who have an interest in space art.. The music submission must be recorded on either a cassette or CD and should be 4-6 minutes in length.
Candidates for the art scholarship must provide an original two-dimensional space artwork to be considered for this award. Candidates must also include a 1-2 page description of prior artistic and other school activities and awards.
Knitting
If you know the different between a knit stitch and a purl stitch and your friends make fun of you for having a grandma-hobby, you may be able to get scholarships. The American Sheep Industry Association sponsors four scholarships for applicants who submit a sample of an article of clothing they created completely with wool. Philadelphia University also offers the Bernard Steur Scholarship for textile engineering students with an interest in knitting. Also, The National Make It Yourself with Wool (NMIYWW) competition awards $2,000 and $1,000 scholarships for knitting wool garments. Winners are selected based on the appropriateness to the contestant’s lifestyle, coordination of fabric/yarn with garment style and design, contestant’s presentation, and creativity.
David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship
Because David Letterman was a C student at Ball State University, he established a scholarship at his alma mater that is awarded to telecommunications majors based strictly on the creativity of a submitted project, rather than a student’s GPA. The awards are intended for average students who nevertheless have a creative mind. Projects may involve a variety of media, including written work, research, audio, video, graphics and film. The winner receives a $10,000 scholarship. The first runner-up receives $5,000. The second runner-up receives $3,333.
Aspiring Children’s Television Stars
Similarly, The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awards three $10,000 scholarships annually in the name of the late Fred Rogers (yes, Mr. “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood” Rogers) to college students pursuing a career in children’s media.
Rodeo
At last those lasso skills can rope you some money. Institutional awards, like Colorado State University’s rodeo scholarships, are usually reserved for students on the school’s rodeo team. Private awards, like the San Angelo Rodeo Scholarship, give students more flexibility in their college choice, but often have other requirements, like county of residence.
Puppetry
The Connecticut Guild of Puppetry offers the Margo Rose Scholarship for students involved in puppetry who wish to attend the National Puppetry Conference. The American chapter of the theatre organization Union Internationale de la Marionette, offers scholarships for students with experience in puppetry to study at the Institut Internationale de la Marionnette in Charleville-Mezieres, France. Since puppetry degree programs are rare, most scholarships in this field are for private programs or for puppetry studies within a theatre arts department. Pinocchio would be proud.
Chess
Chess stars could turn their winning moves into money for college. Several colleges, including Texas Tech University, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the University of Texas at Dallas, offer promising chess players up to four-year, full-tuition scholarships. The United States Chess Federation provides information on chess tournaments and available chess scholarships, both college and privately-sponsored. Casual chess players, be warned, these scholarship programs are often very competitive.
Rugby
Rugby may not be an official sport at most U.S. universities, but it can still help pay your college costs. Rugby scholarships are offered at New Mexico University, Texas A&M University, Saint Bonaventure University and many other colleges. Playing rugby can also send you abroad. The Center for International Studies offers a rugby study abroad program for students to study for one or two semesters in Wellington, New Zealand and play in a local rugby club. A $500 scholarship is available to make this program more affordable. Check with USA Rugby for more rugby scholarships.
United States Bowling Congress (USBA) Scholarships
Yes, bowling congress. And each season, bowling associations, councils, tournaments and proprietors offer over $6 million in scholarship money. Some of these programs include the Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow Award for $1,500 per year for three years, the Annual Zeb Scholarship for $2,500, the Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow for $1,500 per year for three years, the Youth Ambassador Award for $1,500, and the Gift for Life Award for $1,000.
Bagpipe Majors at Carnegie Mellon
One of the least competitive scholarships in the U.S.—it’s not unusual for there to be zero applicants—is the Carnegie Mellon University Bagpipe Scholarship. It offers $7,000 per year to a student who intends to major in bagpiping. You even get a kilt subsidy.
Just plain unusual scholarships:
Duck® brand duct tape Stuck at Prom® Contest
The Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck on Prom Contest is open to students ages 14 years or older who are attending a high school prom in the spring. Entrants must enter as a couple and attend a high school prom wearing complete attire or accessories made from duct tape. The submission must include a color photograph of the couple together in prom attire. The winning couple gets $3,000 each towards college and some cash for their school to boot. Other prizes include $1,000 for second place, $500 for third, and Duck Tape sportswear for honorable mentions. The winning couple will be selected based on a variety of criteria, including originality, workmanship, quantity of Duck Tape used, use of colors, and creative use of accessories.
Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Award
If you demonstrate excellence in academics, athletic performance, leadership and community service, and like to sport a milk mustache, this is the scholarship for you. Candidates must also be a resident of one of the 48 contiguous states or the District of Columbia. Each of 25 winners receives $7,500 in scholarship money, a designated place in the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex and a role in a USA Today Milk Mustache special.
Students for Organ Donation Youth Leadership Award
Candidates of this awardmust have made a commitment to raising awareness of organ donation and transplantation. Selection is based on effectiveness, leadership, creativity and sustainability of efforts. Applications may be based either on a report of previous events that have successfully raised organ donation awareness, or a detailed and realistic plan to raise donor awareness. One or two $500 to $1,000 scholarships will be awarded.
Evans Scholars Foundation Scholarship
Where would golfers be without their caddies? Not very far. For all of their help, caddies are finally being rewarded by the Evans Scholars Foundation. Each year, the Western Golf Association awards scholarships to more than 200 student caddies. Scholarship winners are required to reside in the scholarship house at each participation college. They must also demonstrate academic merit, financial need, exceptional character and, of course, a great caddie record.
Klingon Language Institute Award
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a Klingon-loving Trekky to apply. The Klingon Language Institute (KLI) awards this $500 scholarship award to one graduate or undergraduate student each year. The scholarship was created to encourage the study of and achievement in the area of language. Applicants must be nominated by a school department and must demonstrate academic merit. Submissions should include the nomination letter, two recommendation letters, a resume and a statement of future intent.
The National Candy Technologists Scholarship
The American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) awards a $5,000 scholarship to sophomore, junior and senior students who demonstrate an interest in confectionary technology. The award is paid in two $2,500 installments to winners who attend an accredited four-year college or university. Applicants must earn a 3.0 GPA and be majoring in food science, chemical science, biological science or a related field, and, of course, be a bit of a chocoholic.
National Marbles Tournament Scholarship
This isn’t your friendly game of marbles—this game is for keeps for the eight to fourteen-year-old players who compete. The King and Queen of Marbles (yes, that’s what they call the winners) will each receive $2,000, and, to calm things down a bit, a sportsmanship award of $1,000 will also be granted. The eight pages of rules, albeit in large child-like print, will show you just how serious these competitors are.
The Spirit of the Hiram College Hal Reichle Scholarship
Here is some chicken soup for the college student soul. This scholarship is administered by the Secret Society of Serendipitous Service to Hal, otherwise known as SSSSH. Hal Reichle had a history of secretly surprising people with sweet gifts. He was a modern-day Santa Clause and SSSSH is convinced that Hiram College has more of them. It’s about time being nice got you some cash!
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Tags: college financing, college funding, college money, college scholarships, financial aid, interesting, scholarships, unique, unusual, unusual scholarships, weird
Posted in College Financing, College Resources | 2 Comments »
Monday, November 16th, 2009
In the last year, many families have decided that they would allow allow their children to apply to in-state state schools. As I have often said, this needlessly limits options, because many private schools offer scholarships that bring their net-cost in line with that of a state school, despite the fact that their sticker price is much higher. In addition to researching merit scholarships, students in some states have the option of taking place in a regional state program. In these programs, if a major is not offered in the student’s home state, but is offered at a state school in another state within the program, the student can attend for a reduced rate. The tuition depends on the program but typically ranges from in-state tuition to 1.5 times in state tuition. Here is a summary of the different regional state programs available in the United States.
New England Board of Higher Education Regional States Program
If a major isn’t offered in your home state, but is offered at a school in another state, you are eligible for reduced tuition. Typically it is 1.5 times in-state tuition. One thing to watch out for is if you change your major to a major that is not offered in the program, you need to pay back the difference in tuition. You can check the various majors that are available on the website, www.nebhe.org. The only schools that participate are state schools. They offer Associates and Bachelors degrees through the program.
Participating States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Southern Regional Education Board Academic Common Market
This is the most generous of the programs, as participants pay in-state tuition at participating institutions. Also, if you end up changing your major, the tuition change will be effective for the semester when you make the change, but you might not need to pay back retro-active tuition savings. To learn about the schools and majors available through this program visit, www.sreb.org.
Participating States: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware,Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.
Note: Florida, North Carolina, and Texas only participate for graduate programs.
Midwest Student Exchange Program
The Midwest Student Exchange Program operates on the same premise as the other programs, that is if a major is not offered at one of your in-state state schools you qualify for a reduced tuition at another participating state school. Unlike the other programs, the MSEP includes some private schools as well. Students qualify for 1.5 times in-state tuition at the state schools and for a 10% tuition reduction at participating private schools. Learn more about the program at www.mhec.org.
Participating States: Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin
Western Undergraduate Exchange
This program consists of state schools, and like the other programs if a major is not offered at one of the state schools in your home state, but is offered at another participating institution, you are eligible for reduced the tuition. The tuition in this program is 1.5 times in-state tuition. Learn more about the program at www.wue.wiche.edu.
Participating States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.
Technorati Tags: college financing, college funding, college scholarships, college selection, financial aid, regional state programs, state schools
Tags: college financing, college funding, college scholarships, college selection, financial aid, regional state programs, state schools
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