Find and apply for as many scholarships as you can it s free money for college or career school! 
Start researching early, and meet deadlines , and you may be on your way to scholarship success. Scholarships are gifts. They don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations. 

What kinds of scholarships are available? 
Some scholarships for college are merit - based. You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship - giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest. Other scholarships are based on financial need. Many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people ; for instance, there are scholarships for women or graduate students. And some are available because of where you or your parent work, or because you come from a certain background for instance, there are scholarships for military families. A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition , or it might be a one - time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way , it s worth applying for, because it ll help reduce the cost of your education. 

How do I find scholarships? 
You can learn about scholarships in several ways, including contacting the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend and checking information in a public library or online. But be careful. Make sure scholarship information and offers you receive are legitimate; and remember that you don't have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid. Check out our information on how to avoid scams. Try these free sources of information about scholarships : the financial aid office at a college or career school a high school or TRIO counselor the U.S. Department of Labor s FREE scholarship search tool your state grant agency your library 

user: Is it reasonable to think I should apply for as many scholarships as I can because it is free money for college?

assistant: Yes, and I would start researching early and meet deadlines for success in getting scholarships.

user: Are there different kinds of scholarships available?

assistant: Some scholarships you have to earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standard set by the giver and merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on talents and academics.

assistant: Did you know some scholarships are just for women or graduate students?

user: No, I actually did not know that information.

user: How do I apply for a scholarship?

assistant: Each scholarship really has its own requirements and the scholarships website should give you an idea of who qualifies and how to apply.

user: Will a scholarship affect my other student aid?

assistant: Yes a scholarship will affect how much your other student aid is because everything added together should not be more than the cost of attendance.

assistant: Do you have more questions?

user: Yes, I have more questions that need to be answered.

assistant: Then go ahead and contact the financial aid office at the school you would be attending.