by Kim Stezala, The Scholarship Lady

The cost of attending college varies greatly depending on several factors, most notably tuition.  Your real cost to attend college or “net price” can vary at each college based on the in-state tuition rate or out-of-state tuition rate for public college and universities, scholarships the college offered you, scholarships you’ve won on your own, transportation costs and more.

With a little diligence, you can figure out the “real” price of attending the colleges you are considering by using a “net price” calculator.  Take 20 minutes to figure this out now to save yourself stress and frustration later. 

Every college that receives Title IX funding (which is most U.S. colleges) must provide a net price calculator on their website.  You can go to an individual college’s website to find this information or look up the exact web address in a spreadsheet provided by the U.S. Department of Education.  The spreadsheet can be downloaded at this website, if you scroll to the bottom:

http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/resource/net_price_calculator.asp#InstitutionsNPCWebAddresses

Another way to find out the “net price” is to use one of the tools listed below, all of which are free for students to use.  This may be a quicker way to accomplish your task than looking up each college.

Give it a try!

http://www.collegeabacus.org/

http://studentnpc.collegeboard.org/

http://www.finaid.org/calculators/awardletter.phtml

http://www.collegecost.ed.gov/

http://www.collegecost.ed.gov/shopping_sheet.pdf 

Guest Blog by Katie Heino, Senior, Alverno College

Ever wonder how you can make a difference in the world, but maybe you feel like you’re too young or do not have enough experience?  Well think again, because this is the perfect time to participate in programs that will help you to learn more about potential career interests.

Whether you are a freshman in high school or a senior excitedly awaiting graduation, there are so many opportunities to get involved, especially in extracurricular activities.  In recent years, high schools have been modifying their curriculum to provide more science and technology programs.  In addition to these courses, students have the option to participate in robotics, engineering, and other clubs that ultimately strengthen their critical thinking, problem solving, and team work skills. 

The following programs are examples of those that offer students the opportunity to explore potential career interests in science and technology:

1. Do you ever find yourself digging out a telescope on clear nights and looking up into space with fascination? If you answered “yes,” visit  http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/9-12/index.html, where you will find innovative programs, like DEVELOP. This program offers students the chance to work with professionals on an Earth science research project. If you’re interested the application deadline for this program is February 28th.  In addition, check out other career building options, such as internships and summer camps.
2.  If you are energy savvy and passionate about reducing your carbon foot print, then a career in alternative energy might catch your interest. Visit thehttp://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publish/us/en/products/building_efficiency/market/k-12/igniting_creative.html to learn about student scholarship programs, like The Igniting Creative Energy Challenge, which offers students the chance to share their innovative energy ideas through creative submissions which are considered for a scholarship.  Early bird deadline is February 18, standard deadline is March 4.

Keep in mind, any extracurricular activity you participate in represents your willingness and initiative to learn beyond the four walls of a classroom, and this is a plus, when it comes to applying for scholarships, higher education, and even a future job.

By Katie Heino, Senior, Alverno College

Researching scholarships is an art.  It requires knowing your strengths and ultimately, what works best for you.  With that said, pinpointing your strengths will help you to know which scholarships have the most potential.

If you happen to be a person who enjoys writing, there are plenty of opportunities for you to express yourself.  Most scholarships are based on applications and submitting information, like your GPA and ACT/SAT scores.  However, an essay contest truly allows scholarship providers to learn more about your personality and your ability to express personal beliefs.

As you delve into writing, keep these tips in mind:

1. Know Your Competition. Scholarships that require you to write an essay based on your response to a novel or a particular situation can be time consuming.  However, knowing your competition will help you to budget your time more effectively and know if it is worth your time. For example, the Ayn Rand Institute offers scholarships that involve reading a novel and in response, writing an essay.  It is very competitive, but if you have the time—go for it.
2. Use School as a Resource. Visit your school’s financial aid or career center.  Professionals working in these departments have the networking skills to help you research and they probably have a list of scholarships available.  Also, if you happen to know a teacher who is willing to edit your work, this could be very beneficial.
3. Read Carefully. Essay contests are crafted so that the writer keeps-on-track and so that the judge’s time is not being wasted.  Make sure you follow key criteria, such as word count or page limits, font, margins, and how it should be submitted (email, etc.), because simple mistakes can cost you big points.
4. Save, Save, Save. Keep a large box in your basement or closet to store all of your accomplishments, especially if your work has been published or is chosen as a winning piece for a writing contest.  They look great in a portfolio when you are looking for a job someday!

In addition to writing essays, if you enjoy creating artwork, taking pictures, blogging, and other communication, visit websites such as The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers and the Young Voices Foundation, to find other opportunities.   Normally, I do not recommend paying a fee to apply for a scholarship, but this practice is very common in these types of “award” contests and some students don’t mind paying the $5.  Use your own judgment.

Here is a list of scholarship providers that I met while attending the National Scholarship Providers conference.  You will notice the diversity of the providers.  Even if these aren’t a match for you personally, I hope it inspires you to get creative when searching for scholarships.

American Library Association (ALA)  –http://www.ala.org/ala/educationcareers/scholarships/index.cfm (Want to be a librarian?  Scholarships for earning your master’s degree in library and information science. Check them out.)

Bright Prospect – www.brightprospect.org (“posse” system for attending college, based in California)

Charlie Wootan Grant – http://www.aie.org/wootan/ (For low-income students – application process not until 2011, but bookmark the page now)

Evan Scholars Foundation  – http://www.wgaesf.org (I have written about them before…scholarships for golf caddies)

Greenhouse Scholars – www.greenhousescholars.org (for under-resourced students in the Colorado area)

Hispanic Scholarship Fund – www.hsf.net (aggressive goal to have a college degree in every Latino household)

Junior Achievement – www.ja.org (chapters around the world, some have scholarships – and, involvement in JA can build the skills that lead to other scholarships…)

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation – www.nraef.org(variety of scholarships for students in culinary arts)

National Society of Collegiate Scholars – www.nscs.org (I was a panelist at their annual conference a few years ago – very bright, energetic group of members)

Pride Foundation – www.pridefoundation.org (scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight-ally leaders and role models from Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Washington)

The Washboard.org – www.thewashboard.org (actually a ‘smarter’ listing of scholarship matches, provided for students in Washington state)

Tourism Cares – www.tourismcares.org (from the tourism industry: to preserve the travel experience for future generations – who knew?)

The 10/20 Project – www.the1020project.org (not quite a scholarship, I admit, but a chance to support homeless people who could possibly be on the path to higher education after they get themselves situated…)

The Terry Foundation – www.terryfoundation.org (Winner of the National Scholarship Provider of the Year Award! – Congratulations!)

Don’t see a scholarship for you?  Look at the list and think about similar organizations that might be located in your city or town. Do your research locally and you’ll be amazed at what you find!  Good luck!

The Scholarship Lady

Guest Blogger Katie:

Some colleges are introducing a three-year bachelor program for various majors. 

This opportunity is becoming more popular and you might encounter it as you are planning for your college career.  Just like other opportunities, it is important that students determine what their dreams and goals are in order to better understand if a three-year bachelor program is the right path to take.  Here are a few questions to ask yourself, when considering this type of program:

1. Am I prepared to work at a faster pace? For some students, this means they have found a way to overcome the standard four-year time frame. However, make sure that you are prepared to handle more homework and closer deadlines.
2. Will I be able to attend school in the summer?  With more classes to complete in a condensed time frame, you may need to take classes over the summer.   Make sure that you do your research to learn more about how much credits cost over the summer because some courses are more expensive.  You can visit your college’s website or contact the financial aid office to learn more about summer courses.
3. How much money will I save?  College can be very expensive, especially with tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other expenses.  So if you can find a way to erase one year of tuition, it might be beneficial in the long run.  You can read more articles about earning your degree at a faster pace by visiting the Inside Higher Education website at http://tinyurl.com/25qzprr.

Take advantage of this new approach. Contact the college that you are interested in and see if they offer these types of programs in your desired major.

Guest Blogger Katie:

In today’s economy, finding scholarships can be a challenging task.
If you are planning your last year of high school, or your fall semester in college, then you are probably asking yourself, “What are my plans this summer to pay for my college expenses?” As a student, particularly in today’s uncertain economy, you will be forced to think outside of the box, in order to find scholarships, to build upon your resume, and to find job opportunities.
Here are a few tips that will point you in the right direction.

1. Visit job fairs. Some high schools and colleges host their own job fairs to help students learn more about employers and available positions. Keep in mind that some companies encourage their employees to embrace higher education by offering scholarships. For example, Culver’s offers its VIP Scholarship Program to its employees.

2. Volunteer. Although not a paid position, volunteering can provide endless opportunities that will “pay off” in the future. More scholarship providers are asking questions like, “Do you have any volunteer experience?” Make sure that you have an answer to this question. If your answer is “no,” don’t worry. You still have time to pursue these opportunities. There are plenty of organizations, like the American Red Cross (www.redcrossyouth.org), that offer a variety of programs based on your interests.

3. Network. You have to do your research and sometimes that means just bringing it up in conversation. It is amazing what you can learn by meeting new people through networking. For example, I recently learned about the organization, AmeriCorp, and how it provides individuals with the chance to make a difference and at the same time raise money for their education. You can learn more about this organization by visiting www.americorps.gov.
Stand out among your scholarship competitors by spending your summer planning your future.

As a special tribute to parents, our team compiled this list of parent-focused resources and websites to help you help your sons and daughters.   (Alert:  The Scholarship Lady is not an employee or affiliate of any of these organizations.  I am merely providing these as an informational resource.)   Check out these resources:

College Parents of America is a membership organization that provides good advice and insight into college preparation and college success strategies for families.  Go here:

http://www.collegeparents.org/cpa/index.html

This one’s a link to over 40 other links useful for parents. It includes links on financial aid/scholarships, where to find cheap textbooks, career advice, and discount deals for students.  The Scholarship Lady was interviewed for one of their articles.

http://www.wisebread.com/college/college-resources

This site offers a wealth of articles from college parents who share their experiences with other parents. It also contains short videos to watch, a blog, and a “pick of the month” link to an e-book course on money management.

http://collegetipsforparents.org/

College Parenting is a free magazine that parents can subscribe to. They can pull up an e-version of the magazine to flip through, and the site contains several links to campus life information and scholarships.

http://www.collegeparenting.com/

This is another site, geared toward parents, that offers online, specialized guides on specific universities.

http://www.universityparent.com/

A section of CollegeBoard.com is designed specifically for parents. It provides links to scholarship sites and offers a free e-newsletter to parents.

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/

This is a mental health guide for parents to refer to while their student is in college. Parents can quickly find a doctor located near their student and may join an online discussion forum regarding college health and wellness.

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/mental-behavioral-health/college-health/parents/mental-health

This one is a section of the U.S. Department of Education site designed just for parents. It includes access to an archive of “Education News Parents Can Use,” videos dating back to 2002. In addition, the site gives links to financial aid/scholarship sites, FAQs, and tips for parents. http://www.ed.gov/parents/landing.jhtml?src=ln

Yay for you if you will be completing the FAFSA this year (as opposed to previous years).  The Scholarship Lady is psyched about the streamlined FAFSA.  Based on the changes, I predict a long-term reduction in parent and student stress, more familial bliss, more time to spend on the better things in life and more opportunities for college-bound students.  Wait, what’s the FAFSA, you ask?  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  If you need money for college, completing the FAFSA is in your best interest and nearly all students –98%–complete it online.  I participated in a training yesterday and here are highlights and changes of how the FAFSA has improved:

1. New url for the site:  www.fafsa.gov.  The old url still works but this is a shorter address in hopes of preventing students from going to “un”official sites that charge a fee to complete the FAFSA for you.  NEVER pay a fee to complete the FAFSA.  It’s free.

2. Color coded tabs for student and parent sections so it is clear who fills in the required information.  Parents = purple.  Students = Blue.

3. More detailed information such as graduation and retention rates of the colleges you select.  Hey, you should know what you are paying for, right?

4. Fewer questions, based on the profile you enter.  For example, if you are not married, you will not see the questions about married students.  That makes sense and saves you time.

5. More help functions that are tailored to you and how you answer the questions.

6. Removal of Veteran’s benefits questions because they no longer affect eligibility for other federal aid (could change in the future – don’t know)

7. Quick, live estimate of Pell Grant eligibility, based on the information your provide.  No matter waiting and wondering.

8. Virtual keyboard and scrambled SS# to better protect your identity.

9.  Status bars/indicators so you know where you are in the process.

10. Fewer questions about assets for low-income students…again, that makes sense.

11. Transfer (pre-population) of parent information to a sibling’s application.

12. Skip or re-direct on questions about homeless students or dependent students whose parents refuse to provide financial information.

13.  Revised definitions of homeless, degree of homelessness, independent status, dislocated workers (including dislocated homemaker, which is an extremely important job!) to identify and expand financial aid opportunities for more people.

14. Matching process through Department of Defense for additional aid for students (dependents) who had a parent killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since 9/11/01.

15.  Coming in Summer 2010….drumroll please….IRS data retrieval tool to lift information from your parents’ tax forms and SAVE YOU TIME!!!

Sources:  Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corp Training and ed.gov bloghttp://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/2010/01/a-simpler-application-for-student-aid/

At Scholarships 101 for NSPA in New Orleans: The Scholarship Lady, Mrs. Haynes, and Ms. Bates of the University of New Orleans Classic Upward Bound Program


A few weeks ago I was a speaker and participant at the National Scholarship Providers Conference in New Orleans.  I met scholarship judges, administrators and donors, guidance counselors, scholarship database company reps, and precollege advisors.  I’m still tired (yet inspired) from that week.

Over the next few weeks I’ll share what I learned (it’s too much for one post) but here’s a few quick pieces of scholarship advice:

(1) as scholarship providers allow online applications, the number of applications goes up (more competition) but the quality of applications, overall, seems to go down (less competition?)  Think about that when you apply online.  I’m guessing if you proofread one extra time and take greater care in answering the questions you will stand out.

(2) in scholarships that are based on hardships or challenges, your survival of the hardship is not the primary criteria on which you are judged it’s how you overcame the hardship and went on to thrive afterwards that is more compelling to a judge (at least the ones I talked to).

Right on the heels of meeting scholarship providers I was also a speaker at College Explosion, a half-day event that was held at Marquette University.  About 500 students attended and my session had 100 people.  Even though I was the speaker, I learned a lot from the audience:

(1) ask questions and press for answers until it makes sense to you.  If no one else in your family went to college, a lot of the terminology that people use could be difficult for you to comprehend.  It’s OKAY to ask people to explain, especially when a scholarship (f r e e money) is involved.

(2) it’s okay to share your private pain.  Some students approached me afterward with very personal issues about cancer, disabilities, etc. wondering if there are scholarships available related to those issues.  The answer is YES!  You can find them on national and local search engines or through word-of-mouth in your community.

More later…

I’ve been thinking a lot about the debate around merit-based vs. need-based scholarships.  For centuries, students have been rewarded with scholarships based on attaining high levels of academic achievement.  Sure, colleges and sponsors would help  the “less fortunate,” but as of 2007, the majority of private scholarships (about 75%) used “merit” as their main qualification.  However, as more college access programs have opened the doors of academia to a broader population, students of modest means have had a chance that historically was reserved for people with money.  Should these cash-strapped students pay their own way like their more-advantaged counterparts or should some of this “merit” money be re-directed to the people who actually need it?  What if you are an exemplary student but you’re not considered low-income?  Should the money that would have been allocated to you go to someone who doesn’t possess 4.0 gpa but they are only held back my limited financial resources? 

I’m already noticing a shift among people that would probably not have considered themselves “low-income” a year ago but may consider it now based on how they have fared during the recession.

What do you think?