Students can apply for scholarships while they’re in college — this financial aid award isn’t just for incoming freshmen. Getting a scholarship at any point during your college years, whether you’re a sophomore or a senior, can help cover the cost of your education. Not only that, you don’t have to repay scholarships because they are a form of gift aid. Scholarships are essentially free money.
Learn more about how to get scholarships while in college, where to find them, and tips on applying for them.
Benefits of Applying While Already in College
Applying for scholarships while you’re in college can help bridge the gap between your college savings and the cost of your education.
The average cost of college, including tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses, is $38,270 per year, according to the Education Data Initiative. The average cost of tuition alone is $9,750 for in-state students and $27,457 for those out-of-state. Scholarships can help reduce the financial burden.
Not only that, applying for scholarships while you’re already in school could help cover unexpected expenses that pop up during the academic year. For instance, perhaps there are fees for materials needed for some of your classes that you didn’t know about or budget for.
Another perk of applying for scholarships while you’re in school is that you may qualify for more or different types of scholarships than you did as an incoming freshman. Maybe you declared or switched your major in your sophomore year — that could make you eligible for awards in your new area of study. Some scholarships are even specifically for upperclassmen, so you can explore those options as well.
Finding Scholarships for Current College Students
Many organizations and institutions offer scholarships, including merit scholarships, to students already in college. Check out these resources.
Your College or University
Your college financial aid office can often help you find scholarship opportunities. They can typically give you information about local, state, and national scholarships you might qualify for. Additionally, an advisor within your major can guide you to scholarships related to your field of study.
Scholarship Search Engines
Use free online scholarship search tools to discover scholarships tailored to your educational background, extracurricular activities, personal interests, and family history. There are a number of these tools, including Fast Web and College Board. Filter the results by your current year in school to find the ones that fit your criteria.
Associations, Businesses, and Organizations
Some big companies provide scholarships for employees and their children. Reach out to your parents’ employers to find out about any scholarship options they may offer.
You can also find scholarship opportunities through local businesses; libraries; churches; associations like the American Legion, NAACP, and Girl Scouts; or other organizations you are connected to.
There are even nonacademic scholarships you might qualify for, such as those based on talent, like dance or drawing, and sports. Cast a wide net to see what you might be eligible for.
And keep in mind that if you don’t get enough in scholarship funds, you can explore other types of financial aid, including grants and federal and private student loans.
How to Apply for Scholarships While in College
When applying for scholarships while in college you’ll need to balance your coursework with the scholarship application requirements and deadlines. Here’s how to stay organized and proceed.
• Practice due diligence. Make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements of the scholarship.
• Read the application carefully. Review all the steps to apply. Find out what paperwork is needed, such as transcripts, and gather everything together.
• Supply any special requests. For instance, a scholarship might require you to write an essay or include an example of your creative work.
• Meet all deadlines. Make sure to send in your application before it’s due. Give yourself plenty of time so that you’re not rushing to submit it at the last minute.
How to Improve Your Scholarship Applications
Securing a scholarship takes time, work, and dedication. These tips may boost your chances of scholarship success.
Apply Year-Round
Develop a routine for consistently searching for and submitting scholarship applications throughout the year. For example, set aside an hour or two every Saturday afternoon to work on it. There are many unclaimed scholarships every year, so you may be able to find one of those.
Don’t Be Afraid to Apply Again
If you don’t win a scholarship that seems tailored to you, don’t give up. Reapply next year. Most scholarships allow you to apply multiple times, provided you continue to meet the requirements.
Watch Out for Mistakes
Pay strict attention to scholarship application rules and directions, and follow them closely to improve your chances of success. Re-read your application multiple times to check for typos and errors. Other common mistakes to avoid include failing to stick to the word count, not supplying requested materials, and submitting more references or recommendations than the number requested.
Make a Strong First Impression
Scholarship committees may be reviewing hundreds of submissions, so it’s crucial to make your application as strong as possible. For instance, when an essay is required, start yours in a compelling way that will grab the judges’ attention. Talk about the impact you hope to have once you complete your education.
For instance, if you’re earning your degree in chemistry, you might talk about how you plan to use your education to focus on the environment by helping companies develop more sustainable business practices. This kind of information helps the judges understand your goals and gives them context for how the scholarship funds will be put to good use.
Small Scholarships Can Still Make a Difference
You’ll likely want to apply for scholarships with large awards — and you should — but at the same time, don’t overlook smaller scholarships. Apply to them along with the bigger scholarships. If you can win several smaller awards, they can add up substantially.
Refine Your References
When reviewing scholarship applications, judges may look for what makes each student unique. If a scholarship requires a reference letter, consider it a prime opportunity to let the scholarship committee know who you are and what you can do.
Faculty members like professors can be excellent sources for recommendation letters. If you’ve taken several courses with a certain professor and they can attest to the quality of your work, ask if they would be a scholarship reference for you.
The Takeaway
Applying for scholarships while you’re in college can be a smart strategy to help cover your education costs. There are a variety of scholarships available, and numerous online tools to help you find the ones you may be eligible for.
Regularly searching and applying for scholarships throughout your college years, along with other types of financial aid, could help you get the college funds you need and reduce the amount you have to borrow. And even if you do graduate with student loan debt, keep in mind that it’s possible to refinance student loans for better rates and terms if you qualify for them.
Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.
FAQ
How many scholarships can a current student get?
In general, students can get any number of scholarships — there is no defined limit. But check your college’s rules regarding scholarships. For instance, some schools may not allow students to combine scholarships awarded by the college itself. And remember that your total financial aid usually can’t be more than your school’s cost of attendance.
What does “stacking scholarships” mean?
Stacking scholarships refers to combining different scholarships to help pay for college expenses. Some schools don’t allow scholarship stacking. Check with the financial aid office to find out about your school’s policy on stacking.
Can you get a scholarship in the middle of the year?
Yes, you can get a scholarship in the middle of the school year. Scholarships are available year-round, so you can generally apply for them at any time as long as you meet the scholarship deadline.
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