Types of College Scholarships

As you begin your journey toward earning a college scholarship, you will most likely be overwhelmed--at least at first--by all the different types of scholarships available to both current and prospective students. But think of this as positive confusion; with so many types of scholarships out there, there is a good chance that if you do your research, you'll find funding that's a fit for you.

One major provider of a many types of scholarships is the federal government. Through FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, you can find out exactly which types of scholarships you might qualify for, and this is a great first step toward securing money for your education.

Among the different types of scholarships offered by the federal government are Federal Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. These grants typically do not have to be repaid and are available only to undergraduate students.

Other types of scholarships out there may be based on the specific college or school you want to attend. Check with each school's financial aid office to find out what types of scholarships are offered to students of that specific school and which ones you can apply for as a current or prospective student. Staff at the financial aid office should be able to help you identify and apply for the types of scholarships you need.

As you dive deeper into research on the types of scholarships available, you'll want to look beyond the federal government and educational institutions. Investigate the different types of scholarships that local and national corporations provide. If you're affiliated with a church, seek out the types of scholarships offered by that religious organization.

Unions are another big source of funding for various types of scholarships and so is the military. So if you're looking to finance your educational goals with a scholarship , don't hesitate--begin your research on what types of scholarships are available to you today.