College students around the country are getting settled into campuses, however, many college students still need money for their fall semester. Scholarships are the best source of money, as they are free! If you’re still in need of financing, make sure you explore your scholarship options first, any additional funding can be supplemented by student loans.

• How do I find scholarships? Start searching 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. Your local city hall may even offer them for locals. Don’t dismiss small awards. A $500 scholarship from your town’s garden club may seem insignificant, but its $500 you won’t need to borrow.

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

• When is a good time to look for scholarships? It’s never too late, but the earlier the better. The golden rule of finding a scholarship: never stop looking. Keep searching throughout the academic year. Every dollar you don’t have to borrow now saves you money, so make sure you have maximized all the “free money” you can find.