I'm considering starting my post-high school education at a community college and want to know about grant and scholarship options. Does anyone have advice or tips on finding financial aid for community colleges?
Absolutely, there are grants and scholarships available for community college students.
Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid, which makes them a great option. One of the most well-known grants is the Federal Pell Grant. It's need-based and you apply through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The maximum Pell Grant for the 2024-2025 award year is $6,495. How much you receive will depend on factors like your expected family contribution, the cost of attendance, and whether you're attending part- or full-time. The FAFSA will also determine your eligibility for state grants.
Community colleges themselves often offer scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, or specific fields of study. Make sure you check out your prospective college’s website for scholarships they offer. Sometimes you will automatically be considered when you apply, but others might require additional applications.
In addition to federal grants and college-specific scholarships, there are a number of scholarship providers that offer awards to community college students. Appily, for instance, is a large database of scholarships, some of which are designated for community college students.
Lastly, do not overlook local businesses, nonprofits, and service organizations (like the Rotary Club), as they often award scholarships to local students, including those attending community colleges.
So while an associate’s degree is generally less expensive than a bachelor's degree, every dollar of financial aid helps bring your education's cost down even further. Get started by completing the FAFSA, look for scholarships on platforms like Appily, and contact your prospective school's financial aid office to see what institutional aid they might offer.
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