It’s the most wonderful time of the year…when college acceptances and financial packets are released! College is an exciting new step in your academic journey, but it can come at a heavy cost. Educationdata.org has reported that the average college student pays between $25,000 and $44,000 per year. That price excludes dormitory living essentials, meal plans, books, and all other expenses not covered in tuition. Most people do not have that much money lying around to spend on school, but the majority of employers require a college degree. So, what can be done to lower the price of education?
While loans are an option, they take forever to pay off and interest increases annually. Free money is the best way to go, which can be found through scholarships. If you already got a scholarship to your school, congratulations! But, one scholarship may not cover everything, and FAFSA never gives enough. So, here are some scholarship options that you may want to check out.
- ScholarshipOwl NO ESSAY Scholarship
This scholarship, as described, does not require an essay. Throughout the course of the year, 50 applicants will receive a scholarship of $50,000. It never hurts to apply.
- Live Mas Scholarship by Taco Bell
Taco Bell has a scholarship that can be worth up to $25,000! All you have to do is submit a two-minute or less video addressing the questions on their website.
- Arthur M. and Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship
This scholarship is open to all Eagle Scouts interested in the American Revolution. Eligible scouts can receive up to $10,000. The Eagle Scout Scholarship does require an essay, as well as a four-generation ancestor chart.
- Big Future Scholarship
The Big Future Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship available to all high school seniors. Amounts vary but can be up to $40,000. It is through College Board, so you should already have an account ready! They announce winners monthly, so make sure to apply!
- Thiel High School Fellowship
This scholarship is one for those who enjoy engineering. 20-30 applicants will receive $100,000 through the two-year fellowship. This would require you to skip two years of college to work on the fellowship, so it is a lot to consider, but you would get paid $100,000 over the two years and a potential job after. If you are unsure if college is right for you, this may be the perfect opportunity!
- Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards
The Helen Diller Family Foundation is handing out 15 $36,000 awards to Jewish teens who show strong leadership and are currently serving in a leadership position to better the world. The deadline is January 5, 2023, for interested applicants.
- GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship
Honoring the late president Ronald Reagan, this scholarship awards 20 students who display excellent leadership, drive, and integrity with up to $40,000. It requires a 3.0 GPA or higher as well as plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
- Ron Brown Scholarships Program
This scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown and awards 50 African-American students with $40,000 ($10,000 annually). The award must be used to attend a four-year college or university. Applicants must exhibit leadership and excel academically.
- Profile in Courage High School Awards
This scholarship is an essay contest that awards eight students $10,000. The required essay prompt is to write an “original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage.” The word count minimum is 700 words with a maximum of 1,000 words. The essay also requires a minimum of five sources, including government documents, interviews, and books. The deadline is January 13, 2023.
- Howard County Arts Council Scholarship
This scholarship is for HCPSS students who would like to pursue a degree in the arts. The HCAC will award a minimum of $10,000 to multiple select students.
There is no reason why people should be denied an education due to financial hardship, which is why many foundations create these scholarships. There are so many scholarships out there, some for lesser or more value than those listed above. OM has a document full of scholarships for seniors on the Student Services website in the Senior Folder. As the year goes on, scholarships specific to OM students will go out as well. Ms. DeMasi constantly updates them, so make sure to check that out!
The Scroll 