How to Find Institutional Scholarships and Grants

Introduction

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, many students are looking for ways to offset the expenses through scholarships and grants. While there are many options available for financial aid, institutional scholarships and grants can be particularly beneficial as they are specific to the school you are attending.

In this blog post, we will explore the different types of institutional scholarships and grants, how to find them, and tips for applying and increasing your chances of being awarded.

Types of Institutional Scholarships and Grants

Institutional scholarships and grants are typically funded by the school itself, rather than external organizations. This means that the criteria for awarding them may vary, but they are only available to students attending that particular institution. Here are some common types of institutional scholarships and grants:

Merit-based scholarships – These scholarships are awarded based on academic or extracurricular achievements. They may require a certain GPA, SAT/ACT scores, or a specific talent such as music or sports.
Need-based scholarships – These scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Students must demonstrate through their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form that they have a significant financial need.
Departmental scholarships – These scholarships are offered by specific departments or colleges within the institution. They are typically awarded to students pursuing a certain major or field of study.
Legacy scholarships – These scholarships are available to students whose family members have attended the same institution.
Special interest scholarships – These scholarships are awarded to students who are involved in a specific activity or organization, such as LGBTQ groups, leadership programs, or cultural clubs.

In addition to scholarships, many institutions also offer grants to students. Grants are typically need-based and do not need to be repaid. They may be offered by the school itself, or through federal or state programs.

How to Find Institutional Scholarships and Grants

Now that you know the different types of institutional scholarships and grants, here are some tips for finding them:

Check the school’s financial aid website – Most schools have a dedicated page on their website for scholarships and grants. This is a good place to start your search as it will list the scholarships that are specific to that institution.
Meet with a financial aid advisor – If you have questions about financial aid, schedule a meeting with your school’s financial aid advisor. They can provide information on scholarships and grants and help you determine your eligibility.
Search online databases – There are many online databases, such as Fastweb and Scholarships.com, that allow you to search for scholarships based on your personal information and interests. Many of these databases also have filters specifically for institutional scholarships and grants.
Visit department or college websites – As mentioned earlier, some scholarships are offered by specific departments or colleges within the institution. Visit their websites to see if they have any scholarships available for students in your major or field of interest.

Tips for Applying

Once you have found scholarships and grants that you are interested in, here are some tips to increase your chances of being awarded:

Submit all required materials on time – Make sure to carefully read the application instructions and submit all required materials before the deadline. Missing a deadline could disqualify you from consideration.
Write a strong essay – Many scholarships require an essay as part of the application. Take your time to craft a well-written and thoughtful essay that highlights your accomplishments and goals.
Get recommendation letters – Some scholarships may require letters of recommendation. Choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your character and achievements.
Apply for as many scholarships as possible – Don’t limit yourself to just a few scholarships. The more you apply for, the higher your chances of being awarded.
Follow up – After submitting your application, consider sending a follow-up email to the scholarship committee to express your interest and gratitude for their consideration.

Conclusion

Institutional scholarships and grants can be a great way to offset the cost of higher education. By understanding the different types of scholarships and grants available and following our tips for finding and applying for them, you can increase your chances of being awarded these valuable forms of financial aid. Remember to always stay organized and start your search early to give yourself the best chance of success. Good luck in your search for institutional scholarships and grants!