Introduction
According to leading College Boards in the United States, educational fees have increased by over 20% in the last decade. This is surely preventing access to quality education for thousands of kids in the country. Thankfully, companies and newer bodies are realizing the importance of scholarships and grants and are actively helping students in this regard.
As a student, you do not want to overburden your parents with college fees. If you are able to research, find credible scholarships, and apply for the same in a meticulous fashion, you will be able to help ease their burden.
Scholarship providers like Benjy Grinberg Rostrum state that the entire process of applying to and gaining scholarships is empowering for students. He states that the process helps students become much more mature and serious towards their education and life.
Scholarships versus Grants: Is There a Real Difference?
The first thing you need to know about scholarships and grants is that they are a ‘gift’. In other words, as compared to student loans, which you will have to repay, there is no such obligation when it comes to scholarships and grants.
In this section, we list down some of the major differences between the two-
- According to experts, scholarships are based on merit. This means that factors like the degrees of the student, how well they are performing, and what their past history is taken into consideration.
- Grants, on the other hand, are awarded to students, which come from a certain financial background. Students who come from low-income families are given grants to pursue their educational future.
- Most private companies, Universities, and Nonprofits sponsor scholarships. They tend to focus on the essay part of the application and make their selections based on the merits of the student and their application.
- Grants are provided by governments, state bodies, and other authorities to students belonging from deprived backgrounds. In some cases, you will have to submit income proof and other government documents.
List of 5 Different Types of Scholarship
- Music Scholarships-
There is a push towards promoting great talent by offering music scholarships. In addition to universities, non-profits, and private companies, newer players like record companies and labels have also started offering the same. This is great news for music students who found it hard to gain access to distinct music scholarships.
- Academic Scholarships-
This is by far the most common type of scholarship, which almost everyone is aware of. This is based on your GPA scores and your merit as a student. If you are a high-performing student with great potential, you can apply for an academic scholarship. This kind of scholarship not only covers your academic fees but also pays for your dorm, tuition, and other expenses.
- Athletic Scholarships-
We all know how athletes deserve the best in terms of facilities and infrastructure. Most colleges and universities, which have great athletic programs for college football, basketball, and other sports offer athletic scholarships to deserving students. However, you should keep in mind that the numbers are very few and cover only the academic fee expenses.
- Volunteering and Community-Based Scholarships-
This is one of the newer scholarships, which is being offered by some schools and colleges. This is awarded to students that have displayed a high level of social service by working with national and international non-profits. You need to ensure that you share all your volunteer work, and build up a strong presence in your local community to be eligible for the same.
- Diversity Scholarships-
Educational institutions realize that diverse learning is important for the overall development of an individual and the community. Diversity scholarships are offered to students, who come from marginalized groups, communities, and in some cases, specific nations. Children of refugees, first-generation learners, etc. are some backgrounds, which can apply for the same.
The Final Word
There are many credible platforms and websites, which keep sharing scholarship news and updates. Students should also do their own research and find some unusual places to apply. You can apply right through your years and not just at the admission stage. Please ensure that you are attentive to the details section and follow the last date submission deadlines.
