HOW TO FINANCE YOUR EDUCATION
Financial Aid
There are several government programs that will help you pay for school. These programs can be categorized into 3 forms:
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Grants or scholarships: awards that do not have to be paid back
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Loans: borrowed money that must be paid back usually after you are out of school.
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Work-Study: jobs, often on-campus, that are subsidized by the government.
When you apply for Financial Aid, you will be eligible for one or more of these programs, depending on your financial need.
Financial Aid Information Page-This web site provides information about loans, scholarships, savings, military aid, and tax benefits.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid-Apply for Financial Aid online. It speeds up the application process.
Minnesota Higher Education Services Office- Learn about state grants and programs.
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered through a variety of organizations. Awards are based on academic success, financial need, community involvement, extra-curricular activities, interests, disabilities, ethnicity, talents, career aspirations, membership to social or religious organizations, and so on.
Lions Clubs in Minnesota- Check to see if they offer scholarships where you live.
Century College Scholarship Opportunities Students attending or planning on attending Century College are eligible for these scholarships. The mission of the Century College Foundation is to help transform and enhance the lives of their diverse student population by providing educational opportunities, financial support and advocacy – 0ne student at a time. New scholarship application materials are available in mid-February.
AXA Achievement Scholarship- in association with U.S. News & World Report. A winner in every state, Washington, DC & Puerto Rico. Scholarships of $10,000 and $25,000. Only the first 10,000 applications will be accepted so apply early.
AAUW St. Croix Valley Branch Scholarship- Any women who are currently enrolled or admitted to an accredited college or University is eligible to apply for this application. AAUW is about encoraging women to continue their academic studies, and to recoginze academic abitliy, leadership, and professional promise. A $500 scholarhip will be awareded, and renewals will be considered in conjunction with all new applications. For more details about the AAUW chapter visit http://aauw-mn.aauw.net.
Horatio Alger Scholarship- -The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have: demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education; and a desire to contribute to society.
Coca-Cola Scholarship- The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation was established in 1986 by your local Coca-Cola Bottler to recognize outstanding seniors.
Kettering Scholarship and Co-ops- - Interested in engineering, math & science, or technology related business? Kettering may have a terrific scholarship waiting for you. Kettering University is located in Flint, Michigan.
Burger King Scholars Program Awards may be used for educational expenses, such as tuition fees and books, during the first year of college or post-secondary vocational/technical school. To obtain information about eligibility criteria, visit the Web site.
KFC Colonel's Scholars Program If you plan on pursuing a bachelor's degree at any Minnesota state college or university apply for this scholarship. You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75(B-), enroll in a Minnesota college or university starting no later than September 30, pursuing a bachelor's degree and be a U.S. citizen.
Scholarships at UW Madison This website lets prospective students search and apply for scholarships being offered campus-wide by their undergraduate schools and colleges.