Scholarships and Financial Aid

College Funding Options

Before applying to college, your family should discuss the cost of college. Many institutions have a variety of aid opportunities available to prospective students to alleviate the cost of college. These could include: scholarships, loans, grants, work-study, and exemptions. If you apply for Financial Aid, you will be provided with a financial aid offer tailored to your family’s situation and what the college can offer you. It is important to look at all financial aid packages as they will vary by institution. Here are some steps to consider:

Complete the FAFSA on fafsa.ed.gov. Starting in December of your senior year, you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the guiding document for financial aid, so it is very important to submit it. Our counseling website (Financial Aid/Scholarships tab) has guided videos and tutorials for completing your FAFSA.

Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) - If you are an undocumented student, you may qualify for the WAFSA. Please reach out to your counselor if you need support.

A few trusted Financial Aid resources are: https://studentaid.gov, www.collegeplan.org & https://finaid.org
Investigate if your colleges require you to also complete the additional CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. This form is available on the CollegeBoard website at https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org. Deadlines vary, so check them carefully.

Scholarships -Check out the scholarship section of the counseling webpage for up-to-date information about scholarships available. Local scholarships will be posted in your Xello account in the “college planning” section, along with Xello’s trusted national scholarship search feature. Other reliable scholarship search engines are www.fastweb.com or https://washboard.wsac.wa.gov.

Institutional Scholarships – these are specific to the college/university you are applying to. Information on these types of scholarships will be housed within a college’s Admissions or Financial Aid website

Many colleges require their own additional scholarship application
Double check with each institution that you are following their guidelines

Net Price Calculator / U.S. Department of Education – Consult https://collegecost.ed.gov/net-price to research the “net price” for each college that you are interested in applying to. This helpful tool will link you to the Net Price Calculator at any college, estimating the out-of-pocket expenses for each institution based on your individual circumstances. Continue reading here

START HERE!
Paying for College in Four Steps
By the end of this course, you’ll know how to...

find and apply for scholarships efficiently and successfully
determine which colleges are most likely to be affordable for you
apply for grants with minimal stress (#FAFSA), and
make sense of your financial aid award letters so you can make an informed decision about your college costs

Financial Aid and FAFSA
Scholarships

Financial Aid and FAFSA

Financial Aid & FAFSA Resources

Paying for College in Four Steps
How Financial Aid Works
Eligible Non-Citizen Info
Ineligible for FAFSA?You may qualify through the WAFSA!

Most people qualify for some type of financial aid, including low-interest federal student loans. Many factors besides income—such as your family size and your year in school—are considered to determine your aid package.

https://www.collegeessayguy.com/college-application-hub

CSS Profile
Used by some private colleges for awarding both financial and merit-based aid. There is a fee for this service, and is mandatory at certain colleges. Is the CSS Profile a required step for you?

Net Price Calculator Lookup
Students can directly link to any college's (in the USA) Net Price Calculator or Financial Aid website.

Finaid .org
A non-profit reputable site providing info, advice, and calculators

wsac.wa.gov
The Washington Student Achievement Council offers information on college costs, explanations of state financial aid options, and tips for completing FAFSA forms.

studentaid.ed.gov/sa
Government website offering information on all forms of aid, includes tips on FAFSA completion

Wiche.edu/wue (Western Undergraduate Exchange)
A consortium of Western-US colleges that offer reduced-tuition rates at some state colleges.

EStudentloan.com
Resources and info for finding & comparing private student loans

College-financial-aid-advice.com
Private website with helpful info & explanations of all things related to financial aid and scholarships. Lots of commercial ads on the website. Very comprehensive scholarship database, frequently updated.

Collegeplan.org
Provides students, families and education professionals with information on financial aid, scholarships, and general college information

Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE GIFTS! They don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, ethnic background, community service, leadership, and personal interests regardless of financial need. Students should be searching and applying for scholarships while they are applying to colleges.

Scholarship Search Engines (GearUp)

SCHOLARSHIP CALENDAR

*generously shared by EHS College & Career Center*

STEM PTSA scholarships available- see your counselor!

Scholarships for Specific Colleges

For community and technical colleges, be sure you are applying for scholarships for the quarter you plan to start taking classes at the college. You can apply for scholarships at most colleges and universities before you are admitted. Click on the logos below to see each school's scholarship information.

Scholarship FAQs

General Questions

What are scholarships?

Scholarships do not need to be repaid. They are offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations as a way to help students finance their post-high school education and training.

High School students can search for scholarships anytime. Opportunities are most prevalent for 12th grade students.

Check the Scholarship Calendar. Scholarships will begin to be added every month, but activity will pick up early winter through spring.

Where do scholarships come from?

What are Nomination Scholarship opportunities at Tesla STEM?

College/University Scholarships

What are college awarded scholarships?

College-awarded scholarship opportunities are detailed on the financial aid/scholarship tab of a college's website.

Some are automatic based on your admission application while some may require a separate application, always check!

Review requirements and deadlines. Many college scholarship deadlines are tied to fall or priority application deadlines.

Ask if they are renewable and if so, if there are renewal requirements such as minimum credit hours or GPA.

Ask what happens if you are awarded an outside scholarship. Occasionally, schools decrease their scholarship awards by the amount of outside scholarships earned.

What kinds of college awarded scholarships are there?

Merit Scholarships: Often based on academics (such as GPA). In addition to academic achievement, talent, skill, athletic ability and geographic diversity may also attract merit money. Departmental scholarships (usually selected by a professor) are occasionally available to incoming freshman but most are reserved for returning students, especially in the sciences. Check college websites for eligibility guidelines.

Need-based Scholarships: Often called “grants”. Funds awarded are based on the family’s financial profile obtained through the FAFSA and supplementary financial applications such as the CSS Profile.

What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?

How do I find outside scholarships?

How do I spot a scholarship scam?

Scholarship application tips

What things should I look for in a scholarship application?

What are the typical scholarship application components?

Application: This will usually include contact numbers, grade level, personal background, college plans, intended major, etc.

Letters of Recommendation: Requirements will vary but expect to need two. Pick letters writers who know you well, give them plenty of time, and say thank you!

Transcript: Even if the scholarship doesn't have a minimum GPA, many providers will still want to see a transcript. Complete the Eastlake transcript request form.

List of activities: Describe and think "impact".

Essay: We hear from students all of the time how much they dislike writing essays, but the essay section is your chance to shine and distinguish yourself.

Financial Information: Most need-based scholarships require a copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Report or other documentation establishing your financial need.

Do you have tips for writing a scholarship essay?

Understand the scholarship's mission and audience

Pick a topic where you shine

Be authentic, gracious and proud

Show, not tell. Avoid repeating accomplishments listed elsewhere in your application.

Always have someone look at it. Does it sound like you?

Re-imagine essay materials from your college applications but don't cut and paste. Customize for the unique scholarship mission and essay prompt.

How do I stay on top of my search?

Scholarship Basics

COLLEGE AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS

Where to look:

College-specific scholarship opportunities are spelled out in the financial aid/scholarship tab of a college's website.
Some are automatic based on your admission application while some may require a separate application, always check!
Review requirements and deadlines
Ask if they are renewable?
Ask what happens if you are awarded an outside scholarship. Some schools decrease institutional grants by the amount of any outside scholarships.

Types of College-Awarded Scholarships

Merit

Often based on academics (GPA and test scores).
In addition to academics, talent, skill, athletic ability and geographic diversity may attract merit money.
Departmental scholarships (usually selected by a professor) are occasionally available to incoming freshman but most are reserved for returning students, especially in the sciences.

Need

Need-based institutional scholarships are often called “grants”
Funds awarded based on the family’s financial profile and may require a GPA and test scores.

OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

Where to look:

Xello
Washboard www.theWashBoard.org
National Scholarship databases
Avoid scams! Do not ever pay to apply for a scholarship!

Review the scholarship details

Purpose? Making your case starts with understanding the scholarship’s mission.
Eligibility? Take note of any financial need, GPA, etc. thresholds.
Requirements? Review exactly what needs to be submitted.
Due date? When is it due and how will your application be submitted?

Gather documents for submission

Letters of Recommendation? Expect to need two. Pick teachers, counselors, or coaches who know you well. Give recommenders plenty of time and say THANK YOU!
Transcript? Request transcripts from the Registrar in the main office
List of your activities? Describe and think “impact”
Essay? See our tips below!
Financial information? Some need-based scholarships require.

Perfect your essay

Understand the scholarship’s mission and audience
Pick a topic where you shine
Be authentic, gracious and proud
Show, not tell. Avoid regurgitating accomplishments.
Always have someone look at it. Does this sound like you?
Re-imagine essay material from college applications but do not copy!

Stay on top of your search

At a certain point, it’s time to stop thinking and start writing. Progress, even in small doses, can be inspiring!
Create a timeline or calendar to keep yourself moving.
Target your best odds scholarships first
Set aside time each week. Success = working a little at a time

Find Local Scholarships Posted on Xello

Access Your Student Xello Account

Navigate to your Xello Dashboard
Find the Goals & Plans section
Click "College Planning" Inside this section is a list of local scholarships!

Scholarship Search Sites

WashBoard.org – Washington non-profit that connects Washington students of all types with Washington scholarship providers
http://Fastaid.com/– commercial scholarship database
https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/- interactive tools that enable you to analyze the affordability of schools, compare financial aid award letters, and search for scholarships
Big Future College Board website to help find scholarships, other financial aid and internships
gocollege.com - commercial scholarship database
Collegenet.com - commercial scholarship database
Scholarships.com - commercial scholarship database
Fastweb.com – scholarship matching service
gmsp.org – the Gates Millennium Scholars scholarship program offered to 1,000 students each year
waopportunityscholarship.org – the State-funded Washington State Opportunity Scholarship helps low- and middle-income Washington state residents pursuing STEM degrees.
careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx - US Gov department of Labor (On the left; filter by Level of Study: High School)

Specialized Scholarships

Athletic Aid: Sport scholarships, aid and college search resources for student athletes

http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/scholarships: Office web site of the NCAA

Merit Aid: Comprehensive directory of merit-based scholarships.

UNCF: Awards scholarships to students attending a UNCF member institution as well as those attending a historically black colleges and majority institutions.

College Success Foundation: The College Success Foundation provides scholarships and mentoring to low-income, high potential students in Washington state. CSF currently oversees five local scholarship programs.

Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education: Provides information on Western Undergraduate Exchange program also known as the "WUE". The program allows qualified students to enroll at reduced rates. The site lists all states and colleges participating in the program. Specific qualifications at each college are include.

UW Office of Merit Scholarships, fellowships and Awards

http://www.washington.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/

WSU Scholarship Office

WWU Scholarship Center

Air Force ROTC

Army ROTC

http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/scholarships.html

https://risescholarshipfoundation.org/apply-now/