While more and more Americans are taking advantage of online degree programs to further their education, many students struggle to cover the educational costs. Between enrollment fees, tuition, textbooks, and supplies, the overall cost can be quite a burden. Be smart about your budget and make the most out of the resources that are available to you. Many students apply for low interest federal loans, but don't forget that there are online degree scholarships available as well. Just as traditional undergraduate and graduate students can qualify for merit or need-based awards, students of any age who work towards an online degree are also eligible for this type of funding.
In reality, there are thousands of companies and organizations around the country that offer scholarships. You don't have to be a Division I athlete, have a 4.0 GPA, or spend all of your free time working as a volunteer to qualify for the awards. In fact, with several hundred million dollars being granted to students each year, there are plenty of online degree scholarships that you should apply for.
Start by looking for local online degree scholarships. That is, identify granting organizations that are in or around your hometown. If you have a major in mind, you can also search for scholarships related to your desired field of study. Networking with successful companies in your field to apply for a fellowship or internship now could lead to great career opportunities upon your graduation.
As you being your online degree scholarship application, beware of any company that asks you to pay a processing fee. You should never have to pay even a small amount in order to be considered for a legitimate online degree scholarship. With that being said, do put a lot of effort into both the content and presentation of your application. Try to highlight anything that makes you extraordinary. This could be an athletic, academic, artistic, or philanthropic strength. If any of your hobbies have led to a significant achievement, be sure to include those details as well. Present yourself as a student who is worth investing in. This is the best way to set yourself apart from other online degree scholarship applicants.
You will be amazed at how many special interest groups offer online degree scholarships. If you take the time to sort through an online database of available scholarships and grants, you are certain to find one or more awards that apply to you. Here are a few examples:
* The American Fire Sprinkler Association awards 3-5 $2,000 scholarships each year in an effort to raise awareness about the role of fire sprinklers in public safety. To be eligible, all you have to do is take a quiz on basic fire safety, and you will automatically be entered in a drawing for the award.
* Did you ever read a novel by Ayn Rand when you were in high school? The Ayn Rand Institute runs an essay contest each year that could definitely help cover your online degree costs. The essay contest pays out $10,000 annually to students who author the best essay in each of three topics.
* The Tall Clubs International awards $1,000 scholarships to students simply for being tall! If you are a female over 5'10" or a male over 6'2", you can apply with this organization to boost your online degree scholarship earnings.
The possibilities for online degree scholarships are endless. The Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship offers awards to cover full-tuition for students who work as golf caddies. The American Sheep Industry Association pays out $2,000 in prizes for students who come up with the best wool knitting and crocheting designs in their annual contest. There are even online degree scholarships available to students who promote vegetarianism or who belong to a nudist organization! Some of the eligibility requirements may seem a bit too specific or off-the-wall, but the bottom line is that there is a niche for you. Unlike federal student loans, a scholarship or grant money is simply a gift that never has to be repaid. Save yourself a lot of financial stress later in life by applying for an online degree scholarship today.
