SCHOLARSHIPS & Loans

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A SENIOR TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh Graders - you do not need to wait to apply. There are many scholarships that are open to students in all grades. As you can see from my favorite college scholarship site, there are even scholarships available to students in middle school.

On Raise Me students can keep a running list of their high school achievements -- grades, attendance, serving as an officer of a class or club -- and earn merit scholarships from participating colleges (if they decide to attend that school).

Amanda Miller’s Guide to Scholarships
Understand what scholarships are out there, your odds, and what makes sense to apply for. Having a strategy and being realistic is key to success, and will avoid disappointment.

Thinking ahead to college? College Bound is a great scholarship and resource program for seventh and eighth graders in Washington State who are low income or in foster care.

Immigrants Rising: Transforming Lives Through Education
Scholarships that do not require proof of citizenship or legal permanent residency.

Top Scholarships For Hispanic Students
The Best Hispanic Students Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines.

Cameron Impact Scholarship
The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation awards four-year, full-tuition, merit-based undergraduate scholarships to exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service. The Cameron Impact Scholar is unique among their high-achieving peers in their desire to make an impact on their communities and in the world at large.

Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation enables high-ability middle and high school students with financial need to realize their full academic potential. Through the Young Scholars Program, the Foundation has to date supported over 800 students from across the nation.

Colleges that Change Lives Scholarship
Available to students attending CTCL schools (including Willamette, Whitman, UPS and Reed). Available to transfer students.

Coolidge Scholarship
The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study and leadership training. The Coolidge may be used by recipients at any American university. Anyone of any background, pursuing any academic discipline of study, may apply to this non-partisan, need-blind, program.

Horatio Alger Scholarships
Low income IDAHO students who have overcome adversity should apply for the Horatio Alger scholarship! Grades are important but not the primary consideration.

Latah County Credit Union Scholarship
Are you a member of the Latah County Federal Credit Union? Are you related to a member?

Starbucks Offers Employees Free College

Stephen. J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships
The Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships recognize and reward students who have made a significant impact in the fight against hunger.

American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
Want $2500 a year for College? Just follow the rules and complete Form 8863 to qualify for the AOTC. You can get money back even if you don’t owe any taxes!

LOANS

While students all hope they can pay for college through scholarships, the fact is only about .2% percent of students will receive upwards of $25,000 in scholarships. Paying for college these days may involve student loans. Students are limited in how much they can borrow over 4 years of college in Federal Loans. Right now, for your first year of college that limit is about $5,500. Federal loans may accumulate interest from the moment you accept them, or they may be subsidized, meaning you don’t pay interest until you graduate. Graduating in 4 years with around $25,000 of debt, while not anyone’s dream, is manageable. Of course it depends to some extent on your degree, and your ability to secure a job quickly after graduation.

A high demand degree from a respected institution giving you the ability to pursue your dreams is most likely worth some reasonable amount of debt. You are investing in yourself, which is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Financial experts would caution against parents taking out “plus” loans, or private loans, and especially going into a major amount of debt. This is where finding the right school for your budget and circumstances is key.

How much Debt is Too Much?

10 Ways to Minimize College Loan Debt