Top Ways to Get Scholarships and Financial Aid to Study in the US

By Imagility

Posted in Beneficiary, Blogs
July 31, 2023

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Table of Contents

Types of scholarships available for studying in the US
Where to look for scholarships to study in US
Tips to increase chances of scholarship approval
Bottom line

Are you looking for a way to study in the US but don’t know how to finance your education? You are not alone. Many international students face the same challenge. Fortunately, many scholarships and financial aid are available to help make studying in the US more affordable.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top ways to secure scholarships for studying in the US. From understanding the different types of financial aid available to researching potential scholarship opportunities, we’ll provide the information you need to realize your dreams of studying in the US.

Read on to learn more about how to get scholarships and financial aid to study in the US.

Types of scholarships available for studying in the US

When it comes to funding your education in the US, numerous types of scholarships are available to help ease the burden. Various organizations, institutions, and even the U.S. government offer these opportunities.

Merit-based scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students depending on their academic achievements, standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT), extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, and other accomplishments.

Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who need financial help. Financial need is determined by evaluating a student’s family income, assets, and other relevant financial factors.

Athletic scholarships: These scholarships are offered to student-athletes who excel in sports and demonstrate the potential to contribute to college sports teams.

Talent-based scholarships: Students with exceptional talent in areas such as arts, music, dance, or theater may be eligible for talent-based scholarships.

Government-funded scholarships: Some scholarships are funded by the US government or specific government agencies to support education and research in certain areas.

International scholarships: There are also scholarships available for international students who wish to study in the US, provided by various organizations, institutions, and governments.

Researching and exploring the specific scholarship opportunities that match your eligibility and academic goals is essential. Scholarship criteria and application processes can vary widely, so thoroughly read and understand the requirements for each scholarship you apply for.

Where to look for scholarships to study in US

When searching for scholarships to study in the US, consider exploring the following sources:

Federal Student Aid

The U.S. Department of Education offers federal student aid programs that include grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. You can visit the website studentaid.gov to apply for federal student aid, including grants like the Pell Grant. However, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form first.

The FAFSA is available online and opens on October 1st each year for the following academic year. Completing the FAFSA enables you to be considered for various federal aid programs, and it’s an essential step in accessing financial aid for college.

Scholarship America

Scholarship America is a nonprofit organization that administers various scholarship programs. To apply for scholarships through Scholarship America, you can visit their official website and create an account. They offer a range of scholarships for different academic levels, fields of study, and specific demographics. You can browse the available scholarship opportunities and submit applications online for the scholarships once you successfully create the account.

FastWeb

FastWeb is a popular scholarship search engine that helps students find scholarships, grants, and internships. To get started, you need to create a free account on the FastWeb website. Provide information about your academic background, interests, and personal details. FastWeb will use this information to match you with relevant scholarship opportunities. You can then browse through the list of scholarships and apply for those that align with your qualifications and goals.

scholarships.com

Scholarships.com is another scholarship search platform that connects students with various scholarship opportunities. To use Scholarships.com, you must create an account and fill out required information like your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and other relevant details. The website will use this information to suggest scholarships that fit your profile. You can review the list of scholarships, and when you find scholarships that interest you, follow the application instructions provided on the website.

International organizations

Many international organizations, like the Fulbright Commission, provide financial assistance to students from around the globe. Additionally, several other similar organizations also offer aid, including:

Soros Foundation
The United Nations
AMIDEAST
World Council of Churches

It’s important to note that these organizations want you to be in your home country while applying for the scholarships.

Tips to increase chances of scholarship approval

Here are some tips to increase the chances of approval for scholarships.

Complete the FAFSA

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to seek financial assistance for studying in US colleges or universities. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Review application requirements

You must thoroughly read and understand the requirements for each scholarship you plan to apply for. Scholarship applications often have specific criteria and eligibility conditions. By carefully reviewing these requirements, you can tailor your application to highlight your strengths and align them with the scholarship’s objectives.

Don’t miss the deadline

Meeting scholarship deadlines is crucial. Many scholarships have strict cutoff dates, and applications submitted after the deadline are typically not considered. So, it’s better to start your scholarship search early, create a schedule with all the important dates, and prioritize working on applications well in advance.

Bottom line

There are various ways to secure scholarships and financial aid to study in the US. You can explore different types of scholarships, such as merit-based, athletic-based, and talent-based. You can also utilize resources like federal student aid programs, Scholarship America, and others when looking for scholarships. Moreover, the most important part is to complete the FAFSA form, which is significant in getting the scholarship. By following these tips and being proactive in your scholarship search, you can make studying in the US more affordable and attain your educational goals.

You can also leverage the power of the Imagility student app, which has helped many aspiring students discover the path to getting scholarships. The app also helps you find the top US universities, the process to apply for a US student visa, and more.

Download the app on the Apple Store and Play Store now!