What are the different types of full scholarships for college?

I'm a high school junior trying to plan for college finances. I know full scholarships can be a lifesaver, but I'm not sure what types are out there. Can anyone explain the different kinds of full scholarships I might look into?

Sure, happy to break down some of the types of full scholarships you could consider. It's a smart move to start your research early to maximize your chances of securing one, as they can indeed be a game changer when it comes to college finances.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on student’s academic, artistic, athletic, or other abilities. For example, a school might offer a scholarship covering full tuition to students who are National Merit Finalists.

2. Need-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded on the basis of the financial need of the student. For instance, Harvard offers full ride scholarships for students from families with an income of less than $85,000 per year.

3. Institutional Scholarships: These scholarships are offered directly by a specific college or university to attract students who are a good match for the institution. An example is Vanderbilt University's Ingram Scholars Program, which covers full tuition plus a stipend for a summer project.

4. Athletic Scholarships: These scholarships are offered to exceptionally talented athletes planning on competing in a NCAA-eligible sport at the college level.

5. Military Scholarships: Many branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, offer full scholarships to students who agree to serve in the military after they graduate.

6. Corporate Scholarships: Large corporations often fund full ride scholarships for children of employees, students interested in areas related to their business, or students from areas where they have significant operations.

7. Government Scholarships: These are usually very prestigious, full-tuition (or even full-cost of attendance) scholarships, often given out by federal or state government. Examples are the Gates Scholarship or the Florida Bright Futures Scholarships.

Remember to initiate your search by looking at scholarships provided by the schools to which you're applying, as well as exploring opportunities within your local community. Additionally, you can use reliable online databases like Fastweb or Appily to help find scholarships you might be eligible for. The key is to start early and apply often. Good luck!