Wednesday, March 3, 2010

How to Discover Free Money for College in Unlikely Places

Most emerging college students know very few places to look for college scholarships. Very few even consider searching beyond the guidance counselor's office. Finding money for college takes effort and a willingness to explore. There are many obscure grants available to someone who's willing to seek them out. The best thing about these options is that they usually lack the sheer amount of competition that the more mainstream offerings generate. Utilizing these lesser-known options, one can often find enough "free" money to pay for school altogether.

The first place to look is local organizations. Any fraternal organization, like the Shriners, is a good place to ask around. Even if the group you approach doesn't offer financial aid, they could point you in the right direction. Additionally, consider any non-profit group. Whether it's a church or the local Boy Scout troop, they might be convinced to offer some form of assistance. You just won't know unless you ask for it! Small endowments may not seem like much, but if several can be found, it can make an enormous difference in your costs.

Finding "free money" takes thinking outside the box, sometimes. Grants that are off the beaten path won't come knocking on your door. You need to think of yourself as a miner. The more you dig, the better your chances of turning up gold. If you have already decided on a major, consider trade organizations in this field. Many offer sponsorships - they offer them, but they don't advertise.

Take advantage of cyberspace when brainstorming funding sources. Look at websites that are geared around your situation. They are often are a wealth of ideas on where to look. There are forums where such things are discussed, join the conversations. Let people know what your situation is and what your needs are, you might be surprised how helpful people are when it comes to giving you good advice.

If you have a part-time job, talk to your supervisor or HR rep. Most major companies offer either outright endowments, or a program that pays you back upon completion of a class.

Keep in mind, a golden opportunity is rarely going to just fall into your lap. Finding people willing to simply hand you money takes time. Set aside a certain amount of time every week to pursue your search. Arrange interviews if these are local awards Ask the people who you know to you to serve as references. The easiest awards to win are the hardest to find.

Don't lose your focus as soon as you are actually in college. Be sure you reapply for any renewable assistance, and keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities. Many endowments are reserved for active students. Head to your school's financial aid office. They'll be able to tell you about any assistance available through the school, itself.

The bottom line is it's not easy getting someone to pay for college for you. Like any other endeavor, if it was easy everybody would be doing it.

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