Scholarships are an important part of the college funding equation. In the 2021-22 academic year, 60 percent of American families used scholarships to pay for college. Unfortunately, the average scholarship award for this year was $6,041, a 22 percent decrease from last year.
The amount of scholarship money a student receives depends on a variety of factors, including their academic performance, extracurricular activities, and financial need. The amount of money available for scholarships also varies from school to school and from year to year.
If you’re looking to maximize your scholarship money, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Start Early: Start your scholarship search as early as possible. Many scholarships have deadlines as early as November 14, 2022, so it’s important to get a head start.
2. Research: Do your research to find scholarships that are a good fit for you. Look for scholarships that are specific to your major, your extracurricular activities, or your financial need.
3. Apply: Once you’ve identified the scholarships you’re eligible for, make sure to apply for them. Even if you don’t think you’ll get the scholarship, it’s still worth applying.
4. Follow Up: Once you’ve applied, make sure to follow up with the scholarship provider. Ask questions about the application process and the timeline for awarding the scholarship.
5. Don’t Give Up: Applying for scholarships can be a long and tedious process, but don’t give up. Even if you don’t get the scholarship you applied for, you may be eligible for other scholarships.
Scholarships can be a great way to pay for college, but it’s important to remember that the average scholarship award was $6,041 in 2022. While this is a significant amount of money, it’s important to keep in mind that the amount of money available for scholarships varies from school to school and from year to year. With some research and hard work, you can maximize your scholarship money and make college more affordable.