Scholarships for High School Seniors

College and career training can be expensive. In just 20 years, tuition and fees at private national universities have soared a whopping 112%, according to data collected by US News & World Report. At public national universities, tuition and fees have risen about 107% for in-state students and 98% for out-of-state students.

The good news is that there are many sources of scholarships for high school students. Check out these six, which can help pay for community college, university, or job training.

Talk to your high school counselor

Your high school counselor wants to help you with higher education. They have experience and can share information about available scholarships, including opportunities that may not be on your radar. High school counselors often know about local businesses and community organizations that offer scholarships, for example. (They can suggest options for financial aid, too.)

As you apply for scholarships, your high school counselor can help you stand out from other applicants. They may point you to people who can write sparkling recommendation letters and connect you to alumni from your dream schools.

Quick Tip: Before meeting with your high school counselor, put together a “brag sheet” that lists your intended major, your experience, and your interests, which will help him or her get to know you better.

Contact schools where you want to apply

Visit the websites of your target schools, or contact their admissions office or financial aid office for information on how to apply. Many schools automatically consider applicants who have a high grade point average (GPA) or high scores on standardized tests like the ACT or SAT. But most schools also offer unique scholarships, financed by alumni, that are based on qualities like your background, your accomplishments, an extracurricular activity you participate in, or your career aspirations.

Quick Tip: Plan ahead and ask about scholarship application deadlines. Some may be early — perhaps the summer before your senior year of high school — while others are later. If your application is late, you’ll have no chance at getting the scholarship. You’ll likely need to write an essay, so factor that into your timeline.

Consider your employer or your parent’s employer

Many companies — large and small — offer scholarship programs to their employees.

If you have a part-time job, ask your manager or check your company’s website to find out about scholarship opportunities. Your parent’s employer may also offer scholarships.

Some are available to students who commit to a specific major, while others require that the student maintains a certain GPA. Others are available simply because you worked for the company in the past.

Quick Tip: Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission and values, then tailor your application accordingly.

Opportunities Abound

More than 1.8 million scholarships are awarded each year by private sources, according to the Education Data Initiative. Including government sources, more than $100 billion in grant and scholarship money is up for grabs.

Look online

You can find nearly anything online these days – including resources for finding scholarships. Visit reputable websites like Going Merry, Scholarships.com, and Fastweb.

Be aware of scammers targeting students. If someone tries to charge you a processing fee, asks for your bank account number, or tells you a scholarship is guaranteed, step away.

Quick Tip: While searching, be specific. Searching for scholarships for students with high GPAs will provide an avalanche of options. Instead, perhaps seek scholarships for “women engineering students” or “children of military service members.” This will narrow the applicant pool, giving you a competitive edge.

Check with religious or philosophical organizations

If you or your parent is a member of a religious congregation – or a non-religious philosophical organization – find out if they offer scholarships. Theology and religious studies students, in particular, may want to consider this path. Expand your search to include not just local but also national organizations.

Quick Tip: As always, check the requirements. Religious and philosophical organizations may consider grades as well as your community service work and religious affiliation.

Use your community contacts

Check with local business associations or local clubs like the Rotary Club that may offer scholarship programs. Your city government may also provide scholarship opportunities, so reach out to the mayor’s office or the office of community affairs. And don’t forget to visit your local library. The reference librarian can help you find scholarship opportunities in your area.

Quick Tip: Hyperlocal scholarships, such as those available only to students attending your high school, will give you a clear advantage.