Getting as much scholarship money as possible is an important step towards covering your tuition bill. Free money is the best part of any aid package, but you have to work to get it. With that in mind, let’s look at scholarships: how to find them, determining eligibility, and when you should apply.

How do I find scholarships?

Start searching for scholarships with your financial aid office or former high school’s guidance department – even if you’ve been out of high school for a few years. Sometimes your employer (or your parent’s employer) might have scholarships to offer. Even your local town or city hall may offer scholarships for locals. When looking for scholarships, always be on the lookout, and don’t dismiss the small ones. A $500 scholarship from your town’s garden club may seem insignificant, but it’s $500 you did not need to borrow. Every little bit helps.

There are also several scholarship services online that can provide accurate options, such as our partner, Cappex.com.

Who is eligible for scholarships?

Scholarships aren’t just for honor roll and straight-A students, they come in all shapes and sizes. If you have done community service or helped out in your town there may be a scholarship for you. Some scholarships are offered to those studying particular fields or who play particular sports. Remember, scholarships are available for all levels of college as well, not just incoming freshman.

When is a good time to look for scholarships?

It’s never too late, but the earlier the better. The golden rule of scholarship hunting: never stop looking. Keep searching throughout the academic year. Every dollar you don’t have to borrow now saves you money over time, so make sure you have maximized all the “free money” you can find.

Remember to start early on your college funding search this year and use SimpleTuition as part of that process!