Financing the Next Chapter: College Scholarships & Grants

Congratulations! You are ready for your next chapter in life, unfortunately, it comes with a heavy price tag. Get the jump on scholarship and grant opportunities. First, be sure to fill out your FAFSA form online. Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or grad school. This form should be completely annually by March 1 of every year. However, you can update the information as needed throughout the year. Be sure to update your contact information including email to ensure you know about updates to your award and scholarships.

For State of Maryland students, be sure to log on or apply for an account with the Maryland Higher Education Commission for state-wide grants and scholarships. Listed below are a few unique scholarships I found in my search. You will notice some of the scholarships are open to 13-year-olds; take advantage and start early.

According to Bankrate, the cost of college has increased dramatically over the past several decades. From $18,300 per year, in 2000 to more than $27,300 in 2017. Data shows black students take out federal student loans at a higher rate than white students and borrow more than any other ethnic group.

To help combat this crucial issue, experts at Bankrate created a guide to help black college students find scholarships that reduce their loan burden and other alternative methods of funding their education. Click here to access the guide for Black College Students.

Leave a comment with other scholarships you may find or if you have a specific need, my team may be able to find a scholarship just for you. Good luck!

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Education Matters Scholarship

Available to: 13 years of age or older at the time of application, a legal resident of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia, currently enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2025) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education

Award Amount: $5,000 Deadline: November 30

While continuing your education takes time, and money, there's a certain value that everyone is hoping to achieve. Our Education Matters Scholarship is giving you the chance to state why education matters. Why does education matter to you? What is the value you hope to receive from college? What would you do to convince the college cynics? Speaking up for education could lead to helping you pay for your own. One applicant will be awarded our $5,000 Education Matters Scholarship. Submit an online written response to the question:

"What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn't matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?" (250 words or less) The Education Matters Scholarship winner will be notified by email or phone on or around February 29. Learn more about the Education Matters Scholarship.

Royce Osborne Minority Student Scholarship

Available to: College Freshmen through College Senior

Award Amount: 5 Awards of $4,000

The Royce Osborne Minority Student Scholarship is open to minority students who are attending an entry- level radiologic sciences program. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial aid, and be a United States citizen or permanent resident to be considered for this award. Learn more about the Royce Osborne Minority Student Scholarship.

The Do Over Scholarship

Available to: Ages 13 years and up; currently enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2025) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education

Award Amount: $1,500

Deadline: June 30

What we learn from our mistakes can often be invaluable - but we're here to help put a price to it. While we can't undo the past, this fun scholarship is available to students looking for a unique way to earn free college money. Our Do-Over Scholarship will award $1,500 to one lucky applicant. Don't let "applying for this scholarship" be that do-over moment for you!

Submit an online written response to the question: "If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?" (250 words or less) The Do-Over Scholarship winner will be notified by email or phone on or around September 30. Apply online for The Do Over Scholarship.

Unigo Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Available to: All U.S. students who are 13 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2024) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education.

Award Amount: $2,000

Deadline: October 31

One scholarship winner with an imaginative and well-written response to the scholarship question about the Zombie Apocalypse will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Find out more and apply online here.

Gerber Scholarship in Pediatrics Program

Available to: Graduate Students, Year 1 through Year 5

Award Amount: $5,000

The Gerber Scholarship in Pediatrics Program is open to medical students who are members of an underrepresented minority. You must demonstrate interest in pediatrics with an emphasis on nutrition to be eligible for this award. Get more information on the Gerber Scholarship in Pediatrics Program.

Father’s Day Scholarship

Available to: College Freshman through College Senior

Award Amount: $1,000

Deadline: June 30

Dads don’t get the credit they deserve. They always seem to be grinding away in the background, often giving up sleep and their own dreams to make sure everyone else is comfortable and happy. They truly are the unsung heroes of many families. This Father’s Day, forget about buying dad another tie or shirt. Instead, give him something he really wants – recognition for a job well done. Tell us how your dad makes a difference in your life and you could win $1,000 for school or your student loan payments. Get more information on the MoneySolver Fathers Day Scholarship.

CourseHero Monthly Scholarship

Available to: College Freshman to Graduate Students

Award Amount: $1,000 to $5,000

Deadline: the last day of every month

It's quick and easy to apply for a $5,000 scholarship! A new winner is chosen every month. Applicants must create a free Course Hero account and complete the application form. Winners will be chosen based on short-answer responses, so be creative! Check back each month for a new chance to win! Enter online on CourseHero.

Diversity Scholarship

Available to: College Freshmen

Award Amount: $10,000

The Diversity Scholarship is available to entering students at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. You must demonstrate a commitment to diversity as it relates to your interest in psychology in order to qualify for this award. Priority is given to applicants who belong to ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, and sexual identity groups that have traditionally been underrepresented populations in the field of psychology. Get more information on the Diversity Scholarship.

More Resources

Grants for Black Women

FAFSA.GOV

Maryland Higher Education Commission