Who Deserves a Scholarship?

If you think only geniuses and quarterbacks deserve to have their college education paid for, it’s time to realize college is expensive and many people deserve some help with the bills. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 750,000 scholarships are available for qualified students, adding up to well more than a billion dollars. The federal government is the largest source of those funds. The average size of a Pell Grant, money that does not have to be repaid, is more than $2,000. 

Many students also deserve to receive a state grant, and these vary much more widely, as each state has its own guidelines for qualification and amounts available. Again this is not a loan--it's a direct reduction of the amount you owe your college.  Both the state and federal governments qualify students by income. But not qualifying by financial need that does not mean you don't deserve a scholarship.  Many private scholarships do not consider income in their decisions to award money. These encompass a variety of abilities, skills or profile. What are your chances? Actually, pretty good!

Ten years ago, only about one in 25 students qualified for one of these private scholarships. Now it’s only one in 17. This is due to an increase in the number of scholarships available and the ability for students to learn more about obscure opportunities via the Internet.  Websites designed to help students apply for financial aid estimate that the average student should qualify for 30 to 40 various scholarships. While the requirements of the scholarship can vary, the most common task demanded is to write an essay. If you’re rejected by one place but receive any feedback on your essay, you can amend it and resubmit it--now polished--for another scholarship elsewhere. 


You must be careful of shady businesses who promise to help you obtain a scholarship for a fee. The Federal Trade Commission on its website warns students that common scams involve money-back guarantees and information you can’t find anywhere else. The con artists are taking advantage of a student's fear that he or she doesn't deserve a scholarship. Remember, the students who deserve scholarships are the ones who go out and find them, apply for them, and get them.  Start early, use the Internet, and talk to your school counselor.  It can take work, but the benefits are great. Not only does it defray college costs, it is a real resume booster. After all, since you've qualified for this award, perhaps you are deserving of even better.