The Scoop on Scholarships

Millennials are projected to be riddled with substantially more student debt compared to their parents. The price of attaining higher education seems to go up every year. However, the investment into one’s education will pay off in the long run, especially as the job market gets more competitive. The economic payoff of attaining an advanced degree makes all the hard work worth it. In fact, according to Pew Research Center young adults with master’s degrees have a median monthly income increase of 23% compared to those with just a bachelor’s.

Scholarships offset the many costs of attending a college or university. The allocated funds can be used for tuition, books or living expenses. The perks about scholarships is that you don’t have to pay the money you receive back. I don’t know about you but who doesn’t like free money?!

Scholarships range from athletic, merit or are unique. There are scholarships based on ethnicity, immigration status, being left-handed or even describing how you would survive a zombie apocalypse. Various scholarships do not have a GPA requirement so this is a great way to sell yourself.

Here is a list to kickstart your scholarship search:

• Unigo – create a free account profile and your search is personally refined for you. This website offers a lot of unique scholarships. (i.e. if you could be any ice cream flavor which would it be and why?)
• Scholly – a free app available on IOS and Google Play Store.
• Minority focused options (includes scholarships and fellowships)
• Scholarships.com
• College Board
• Niche.com

Once you formulate your search list what’s next?

1. Take the initiative!
2. Gather the required materials – such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements and resumes.
3. Be mindful of deadlines!
4. Proofread your submissions. You are vying for an award just like many other applicants. Don’t compromise your accountability for spelling errors.
5. Be patient! Many awards receive hundreds of applications. You may or may not receive a response. Do not badger the scholarship officials with calls or inappropriate emails.
6. If you are so fortunate to be a scholarship recipient, say thank you. Thank you cards or thank you emails show your gratitude.

In search of more options join the SU Scholarship Listserv or check out these outside scholarship here!

Erica Rawlins

Erica Rawlins is a graduate student at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She is studying Public Diplomacy. Her interests lie in advocacy, branding and harnessing the power of social media. Upon graduating from Syracuse University she hopes to tie her interests into a career that impacts emerging markets.