Some careers may require a college education, such as positions in education, healthcare, and the sciences. A degree can be a great investment for a role that you love and can help you to reach long-term financial goals. However, college in the U.S. is expensive. According to this article from EducationData.org, "The average cost of attendance for a student living on campus at a public 4-year in-state institution is $26,027 per year or $104,108 over 4 years". Assuming that you are not working or making student loan payments while in school, these costs do not include potential lost income or debt interest.
If your goal is to fund your degree using mostly (or only) scholarship money, here are some recommendations to follow:
Do your research.
Consider as many sources for scholarships as you can. Use scholarship search engines, such as Scholarships.com or College Board's directory. Explore local or college-specific scholarships. Look into national or international scholarships.
Consider any and all eligibility requirements. You may also find scholarships in the unlikeliest of places. When I was in high school, I received a $1,000 scholarship from an out-of-state trapper's association that my dad was a member of. (I don't even like hunting, and I still got it!)
Get organized.
Create a spreadsheet to track the scholarships you are interested in, deadlines, and what you will need. Gather and organize any necessary documents. Keep a designated scholarship binder with dividers, and make sure that you have backup copies (electronic or paper) of everything. Follow the instructions to these applications as carefully as possible. Some important documents might include:
School transcripts (unofficial or official)
Letters of recommendation
Scholarship essays
Updated resumes
Awards (or other proof of achievements)
Write a great application.
Your essays, resume, and overall application should make a great case for why you should get the scholarship. Really show why you deserve it by highlighting your achievements and goals. Get an extra set of eyes on your application by asking someone you know (preferably a great writer) to give constructive feedback.
Apply early and apply often.
Cast a wide application net by (1) applying way before the scholarship deadline and (2) applying to as many scholarships as possible. Similar to searching for a job or applying to school: the more applications you submit, the higher your chances are at getting in.
Network and connect with others.
Talk to as many people as you can about your scholarship goals and seek out feedback. Connect with a school counselor. Speak with teachers, professors, or teaching assistants. Join a local scholarship club or organization to connect with student or get accountability support. Attend any scholarships fairs or workshops if your school is hosting them.
**If connecting with someone who could write you a great letter of recommendation, make sure to give them ample notice and ask well before the scholarship deadline.
Excel in your academic career.
This should go without saying, but this will be how you make a great case for why you deserve your scholarships. Maintain good grades and seek out help when needed. Round out your schedule with extracurricular activities (such as sports, clubs, volunteer work, or leadership opportunities). Doing well in your academic career will set you up for professional career success.
Mind the terms and beware of scams.
Some scholarships may require adhering to specific guidelines, and you may actually risk losing the scholarship if you do not follow them. For example, during my graduate program I qualified for a scholarship that required me to work for at least one year at a healthcare agency that received public funding.
Keep an eye out for potential scams. Flags to look out for include fees that appear legitimate (think "processing", "application", or "disbursement"). If you see this, do not apply.
Treat this like the job search process.
Similar to applying for jobs, know that this will take a lot of time, effort, and patience. Even if weeks or months go by with no success, be persistent. If you are ever interviewed and/or accepted for a scholarship, practice good professional etiquette by sending a thank-you letter.
Do you have any advice for folks who are trying to fully fund their college education with scholarships?