How to Get College Grants and Scholarships

Posted on Jul 14, 2010 09:15:36 AM

There are plenty of scholarships that fly under the national radar, too, so make sure to scour local sources. If you work, your own company might offer tuition reimbursement, and the IRS lets $5,250 of that be treated as tax-free income. Your parent’s employer, especially large national corporations, might offer scholarships to promising students among their staffers’ children. Prominent service organizations like Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions, along with business associations like the Chamber of Commerce, often offer awards to local students as well.

Don’t forget the federal cash you might qualify for, either. They’re called Grants for college, which are needs-based and awarded to low-income applicants. To secure them you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which will determine your award based on factors like salary and family contribution.

Sure, there may be plenty of competition for all these college grants. But keep this basic credo in mind:  you can’t qualify if you don’t apply.