Top Scholarship Programs For College Students
One of the hardest parts about college isn’t actually the learning itself — it is also paying for it.
For the 2015-2016 school year, the College Board calculated the average budget amount for public and private universities. The typical costs for the two was $24,061 for public, and $47,831 for private. Within these fees lie textbooks, housing, dining, and transportation fees.
However, even though there is a lot included in the costs for college, some still cannot afford it all. That’s why scholarships were invented. And some of them are pretty hefty ones.
Here is a list of some of the top scholarship programs provided to college students.
Buick Achievers Scholarship Program
At one of the largest award amounts ($25,000), Buick offers this scholarship to students interested in cars. Specifically, they want to invest their money in someone who wants to enter the automobile industry. This means a student who is majoring in engineering, design, or business also fits the bill for this award money.
In addition, this scholarship can be renewed each year while you are in school (a total of four or five years). That means a student has the possibility of earning $100,000 in scholarships. Keep in mind, factors such as financial need and grades are the first considered when handing out this grant.
Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Attention all students 18 and under who consider themselves to hold a great talent. Whether the talent pertains to math, science, music, or technology, if it is a significant piece of work, students are encouraged to submit it.
First place is given $50,000, followed by a winner of $25,000. Other students who displayed top-notch work will also be given $10,000.
For more information, visit this link.
KFC’s Colonel’s Scholars program
Also factoring in financial need, KFC’s scholarship program is also looking for candidates with entrepreneurial spirit. What makes this program different from others is that it can be renewed each year. Students can earn up to $5,000 a year.
According to forbes.com, “Because Colonel Sanders believed in the work ethic, which was certainly needed to establish the original KFC, this award requires students to work an average 10 hours per week beginning in the second year of funding.”
Intel Science Talent Search
More than $1 million is awarded at each science competition offered by Intel. As the nation’s oldest pre-college science fair, it has become recognized as the most prestigious as well. It gives high school seniors the chance to prove their scientific ability to a panel of judges who then send the top 40 candidates to Washington, D.C.
The week-long expo is ended with a reception of top honors. They include the Basic Research Medal, which is awarded to those who demonstrated significant skill in research and analysis. The Global Good Medal is awarded to those who proved to show deep passion in making a difference in the world. Third, the Innovation Medal is given to those who exemplify a prominent problem-solving attitude as an engineer.
Each first place winner receives a substantial $150,000, followed by second place with $75,000 and third place with $35,000. The remaining 31 finalists receive $7,500 each.
Siemens Math, Science and Technology Award Scholarships
This scholarship is awarded through a regional science competition for students in high school. The competitions are typically hosted by prestigious universities such as the California Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Siemens Corporation teamed up with College Board to develop this program, which awards national finalists with a possible $100,000. However, students should not get those hopes too high for the six-digit figure, as that is just a mere likelihood. Regional winners are still awarded with $3,000.
Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship
Yes, you read it right. This scholarship is awarded to deserving caddies. According to valuecollges.com, “The Foundation is overseen by the Western Golf Association, which also runs four golf tournaments, including the BMW Championship.”
Besides having to be a strong caddie, applicants must demonstrate excellent grades, terrific character, and some sort of financial need. Each winner is awarded with full tuition and paid room and board.
It is important to note that there are other qualifications that need to be met before qualifying for this scholarship, including taking the ACT and its writing portion. For more information, visit this link.
Gallery Collection Scholarship
The $10,000 grant is given to students, high school or college, who have an interest in practical design. Any original work is accepted. Whatever you submit will be considered for a greeting card. There are ultimately no strict qualifications for this scholarship; just design something worthy of a greeting card. To learn more, visit this link.
No matter the title, the amount of money, or the specific credentials, each scholarship is looking for a determined student ready to succeed in life. Keep in mind these companies are potentially paying for your entire school, or a good chunk of it, so make the most of your college years with your scholarship money.