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How to Find the Right Scholarship

Are you looking for scholarships but don't know where to start? Finding the right scholarship for your situation can be a very tricky business. There are millions of them out there, and it is up to you to do your research and find the ones that apply to your status of course of study. You will need to approach this process with patience and determination.

The first step in finding the right scholarship is knowing how scholarships vary from one another. All scholarships will fall into one of four sources: federal government, state government, post-high school institutions, and private funders. Knowing which scholarship to go after and when, will allow you to organize your search process into a more structured experience.

The next step in the process would be to come up with some possible sources for each category. For the federal and state scholarships, check out sites like FinAid.org or fafsa.ed.gov for an extensive list of scholarship options. If you're like most students however, filling out the FAFSA is going to be the extent of your government scholarship/grant experience. The remaining categories, institution and private funders, are more likely to capture your attention, so make sure you don't cut any corners! Make a list of businesses, clubs, and organizations that either you or your family are connected to. Churches, jobs, parents' companies, recreation centers, community service clubs, and fraternal organizations, all hand out millions of academic dollars every year. Within the actual schools, don't forget to check scholarships offered on both the campus wide level as well as departmental financial support. Many scholarships are exclusively available for specific majors and minors, not to mention first year freshmen.

Your academic record - specifically your GPA will be one of the biggest factors in whether or not you will be qualified for a scholarship. If your grades weren't tip top, make sure you include any interests and extracurricular activities in you application. Many scholarships look for qualifications other than GPA. Some seek candidates who are involved in community service, social groups, music, or even specific clubs. Most importantly, make sure your essay specifically pertains to the scholarship that you are applying for, and that your application is 100% complete.

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    At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

    Programs

    • B.S. in Business/Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship
    • California Teachers of English Learners Cert.
    • Doctor of Education in Ed. Leadership/Educational Technology
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    Location: Online

    University of Phoenix
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  • Capella University

    Achieve your potential with an online degree from Capella University.

    Programs

    • DBA - Leadership
    • PhD - General Information Technology
    • MS - Social and Community Services
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    Location:
    Minneapolis: Capella Tower, Minneapolis MN 55402
    Capella University
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  • Everest University Online

    Manage your career and your life while earning your degree online.

    Programs

    • Criminal Justice (Associate's)
    • Computer Information Science (Associate's)
    • Criminal Investigations (Associate's)
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    Location:
    Santa Ana: , Santa Ana CA
    Everest University Online
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  • Keiser University

    For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.

    Programs

    • Criminal Justice, AA (Online)
    • Psychology, BA (Online)
    • Business Administration - Management, BA (Online)
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    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale: , Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
    Keiser University
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  • USC School of Social Work

    The USC School of Social Work’s MSW@USC offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Social Work degree through the Virtual Academic Center without relocating to Southern California.

    Programs

    • Master of Social Work

    Location: Online

    USC School of Social Work
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  • Virginia College

    Set your career in motion at Virginia College Online.

    Programs

    • MS - Cybersecurity
    • MBA
    • MS - Criminal Justice
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    Location:
    Birmingham: 300 River Hills Business Park, Birmingham AL 35242
    Virginia College
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  • DeVry University

    Make a difference with a graduate degree from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management.

    Programs

    • Bachelor's - Business Administration - Accounting
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    • Bachelor's - Computer Information Systems - Database Management
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    Location:
    Chicago: , Chicago IL
    DeVry University
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  • Ivy Bridge College of Tiffin University

    Ivy Bridge College of Tiffin University enables you to earn your associate's degree online and on target.

    Programs

    • Associate of Criminal Justice in Law Enforcement
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    • Associate of Criminal Justice in Homeland Security
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    Location:
    Tiffin: 276 Clay Street, Tiffin OH 44883
    Ivy Bridge College of Tiffin University
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  • The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division

    The Art Institutes system of schools offers a range of master's, bachelor's, and associate's degree programs, as well as diploma and certificate programs specializing in the creative and applied arts. We also offer a variety of online, evening, and weekend learning options, so there's an education solution to fit your schedule. And our professional-grade technology can give you the practical skills to match your ideas—helping you transform your creative energy into a fulfilling career.

    Programs

    • Media Arts & Animation
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    Location: Online

    The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division
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  • Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

    Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.

    Programs

    • Family Nurse Practitioner
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    Location: Online

    Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies
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