College Financial Aid Scholarships

When a student files their FAFSA to apply for financial aid with their college or university, they receive a financial aid package detailing the awards they are eligible for based on their family’s financial need. Scholarships are one form of college financial aid that might be included in their financial aid package. College scholarships are the most desirable form of financial aid award because they are free money that does not need to be repaid.

Other items in a student's financial aid package might include:

Non-Need Based College Scholarships

Not all scholarships are based on need. In fact, most college scholarships are non-need based scholarships and are awarded independent of the FAFSA. These scholarships are awarded based on scholastic merit, athletic talent, dedication to a cause, or community service. Scholarships of this nature should be applied for through the sponsoring organization.