I’m an only child with a single disabled mother. We make about $15k a year and rely on benefits. I’ve applied to major scholarships like QuestBridge NCM and the Gates Scholarship, and also a few smaller ones worth $1,000 to $5,000. I’ve completed my FAFSA, but I still need to finalize my mom’s section. My Pell Grant estimate is $15k, but I’m unsure if that’s a good amount.
How many scholarships should I be applying for? I’m not sure how much I need. Will FAFSA cover most of my tuition if I attend an expensive school? Will it cover a significant portion at all? I’m feeling anxious about it.
Apply for merit scholarships: Many colleges offer their own merit-based scholarships. Check the websites of the colleges you’re interested in to find out what they offer.
Look for colleges that meet 100% of demonstrated need without loans: Some colleges claim to meet 100% of demonstrated need but include loans in their financial aid packages. Seek out institutions that provide aid without adding loans to the mix.
Consider schools that offer full financial aid based on income: For instance, Rice University provides full financial aid if your family income is below $75k. Some colleges have similar offers but only for in-state students, so explore top universities in your state to see if they offer this benefit.
Keep in mind that some financial aid packages only cover tuition, not the total cost of attendance. Additional expenses, like room and board, can add up significantly. Even if a scholarship covers tuition, you may still need additional financial aid to cover other costs. Sometimes, the overall aid package will take care of these expenses, but it’s important to understand what is included.
How are you currently finding and applying for all these scholarships? I’ve been helping my sister with her nursing studies, and surprisingly, using AI chat tools to compare scholarships and her credentials has been quite useful. Just thought it might be helpful for your journey as well.
Take a deep breath—it’s going to be okay. Preparing for college financially can be overwhelming, but you’re on the right track! I’d recommend applying to as many legitimate scholarships as you can find (think big companies or organizations like Coca-Cola, Burger King, Tide, Jackie Robinson Foundation, etc.). It’s better to secure a range of scholarship funds to expand your options rather than applying to just a few and still needing more.
To get an idea of what you’ll need, check the tuition costs for the schools you’re considering. This will give you a clearer picture of your financial requirements.
If you’re a high school senior, you won’t be able to apply for FAFSA just yet. The current FAFSA is for the 2024-2025 school year, and it typically opens on October 1st. However, last year there were delays, so it might be worth checking for updates closer to the date.
To clarify your FAFSA details:
The $7,395 is the maximum annual Pell Grant you can receive, not per semester. It’s a positive sign because it means you’re eligible for the full amount for the 2023-2024 year.
FAFSA is a federal grant, so it’s separate from your college’s tuition and isn’t based on your school’s costs.
Work-study isn’t a grant; it’s a job on campus where your pay comes from federal work-study funds rather than the university’s budget.
The $5,500 is likely an unsubsidized loan, which you’ll need to repay.