Scholarships for Community College

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Scholarships are one of the best types of financial aid because, like grants, they do not need to be repaid. Even if you don't qualify for federal or state aid, you might qualify for a scholarship. On the other hand, if you do get a scholarship, don't stop there. Continue to explore federal and state aid to round out your financial package.

Sources of Funding

Scholarships and grants are available from a variety of sources including, but not limited to: private foundations, civic associations such as the Kiwanis Club or Rotary International Club, local businesses and national corporations, unions, community-based foundations, professional associations interested in supporting students entering a particular occupation such as accounting, business, or nursing. There are many sources of information about scholarships, but one of the most comprehensive is www.fastweb.com.

Eligibility Criteria

Although many scholarships are based on academic merit, don't think you need to be a genius to get a scholarship! You can qualify for a scholarship in a number of ways. The specific criteria for a scholarship usually reflect the wishes of the person or organization that has provided the funding.

Eligibility criteria are very diverse, including recognition of achievements such as community service; athletic skill, musical ability, or another talent; low-income status; minority status; ethnic background, family ancestry or heritage, nationality, status as a non-traditional student, or first-generation college student; students with special needs or disabilities; or career goals. Even where you live or the high school you attended could make you eligible for a scholarship.

Scholarships are competitive, so you'll need to make an application. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria and only apply for scholarships for which you are eligible. You'll find out more about how to apply later in this chapter.

TIP: International students are generally not eligible for federal or state financial aid, but may be eligible for many scholarships that do not have citizenship requirements.

You may not realize it, but the college itself will often be a good source of scholarships. Check with your high school counselor and the college's Financial Aid Office (also their Web site) about scholarships available directly from or administered by the college. 

Scholarships at community college are available for students who are pursuing a liberal arts or transfer program and for students in vocational and technical programs. So don't count yourself out because you are in a career-oriented area of study. Many corporations, unions, and associations have funded scholarships just for you.

Community colleges are very sensitive to the plight of part-time and working students and are more likely to have scholarships designated for them than other scholarship sources.

College Foundations

Many colleges have established foundations so that alumni, concerned citizens, and others can make donations to support the college and its students. Scholarships can range from several
hundred dollars to full tuition and more. Donors love to help students, and scholarships are a perfect vehicle. Someone from your hometown might have designated a scholarship just for someone like you. You'll never know unless you ask.

Alumni Associations

Check out the college alumni association, which might also offer its own scholarships; some are especially designated for students whose parents attended the college.

Honors Programs

Many community college honors programs also offer scholarships to participating students, including part-time students. You'll need to qualify based on your grade point average and continue to meet the honors program requirements. But what could be better than being paid to study?

Other College Resources

If your college has a special office for returning adult students, individuals with disabilities, a women's center, and so forth, also check with them about scholarships and opportunities for special populations.