Paying for college can be difficult in the best of circumstances. Students in West Virginia are fortunate to have other options – West Virginia state grants and scholarships help students to find the money they need to pay for college.

Students should turn in scholarship applications and submit their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as the first step to obtaining West Virginia state grants and scholarships awards to pay for their education.

For many state based programs and private scholarships, students are required to demonstrate their financial need.

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on time is the best way for students to demonstrate their financial need and get the West Virginia state grants they need to fund their education.

Once the student’s Expected Family Contribution has been calculated, scholarship committees can determine the student’s financial need and award money accordingly.

The Expected Family Contribution, or EFC, is determined by analyzing the income disclosures provided in the FAFSA. It is this number which determines each student’s eligibility to receive a grant, and if so, the amount to which he or she is entitled.

Details on where to find and how to submit this form can be found here.

Higher Education Grant Program

This award program is intended to provide financially disadvantaged students with the money they need to pursue their education.

Students must be West Virginia residents and be attending a school in the state or in Pennsylvania. Grants must be reapplied for every year that the student is in college. If the student receives other scholarships and grants, the award money can be used for education costs other than just tuition.

To receive this grant, students must be residents of West Virginia and complete their FAFSA on time.

They should demonstrate financial need and have at least a 2.0 GPA.

Once students have turned in their high school transcripts and test scores, the committee can decide on the amount of the scholarship award. To get a head start, students should complete their FAFSA as soon as possible and complete the scholarship application.

Virginia PROMISE Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic success and dedication in their studies.

Students must submit their transcripts and have high GPAs to receive this award. West Virginia started this grant program in 2001 to ensure that every student has the chance to attend college.

This award is not based on financial need.

Successful applicants who receive the award will obtain enough money to fund the entire cost of tuition at a state college in West Virginia.

More details here.

ASTA Scholarship

The Allegheny Branch of the Mid-America Chapter of the ASTA funds this scholarship award.

Students in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia can apply for the award. Students must have at least two years of experience in the travel industry.

In addition, they should be pursuing studies in hospitality, travel, tourism or some related field. This scholarship program offers on a reimbursement basis.

Students must attend an ASTA Seminar or the Travel Institute Educational Program.

Once they show proof that they completed the seminar, the ASTA will reimburse the student for the costs incurred.

Verizon Foundation Scholarship

The UNCF Verizon Foundation Scholarship was created to reward high-achieving students in the field of business, engineering, network administration, computer electronics or computer science. In addition to these fields, students may also be studying mechanical engineering, accounting, human resources, information systems and industrial engineering.

Students must be enrolled at an accredited institution and have at least a 3.0 GPA.

Synod of the Trinity Scholarships

Applicants must be current members of the United States branch of the Presbyterian Church. If they are not church members, they must be attending one of the following colleges: Wilson, Arcadia, Waynesburg, Grove City, Davis & Elkins, Westminster or Lafayette.

Eligible students must be enrolled full-time to receive the award. In addition, successful applicants have to be from Pennsylvania or West Virginia.

NAPA Research and Education

This scholarship program is intended to grant funding to undergraduate or graduate students. Students must be United States citizens and be enrolled in college on a full-time basis. In addition, students should be studying construction engineering, civil engineering or construction management.

Once the scholarship is awarded, students must take at least one HMA technology class and maintain satisfactory academic performance.

West Virginia state grants are awarded based off of the student’s transcripts, GPA, personal statement, work experience and an outside appraisal.

To obtain more information about the award, students should check out

Air and Waste Management Association Scholarships

This undergraduate award is provided for by the Allegheny Mountain Section of the Air & Waste Management Association.

Every year, the award is given to students who are current students in college or high school seniors. In addition, award winners must be within West Virginia or Western Pennsylvania.

The award committee for this scholarship takes into consideration a student’s plan of study, career goals, academic history and extracurricular activities. A student’s financial need, physical disability and race are not accounted for during the scholarship process.

To receive the award, students must be studying in the fields of environmental science, law or engineering. All applications must be received by the March 31 deadline to be considered.

West Virginia state grants are generally awarded based on academic merit or financial need.

To have the best opportunities for state funding, students should pursue a rigorous academic course load. In addition, many award programs will look at a student’s extracurricular activities.

Becoming involved in volunteer work, community service, sports or academic clubs can increase an applicant’s chances of obtaining funding for their education.

Other Resources

Be sure to investigate Pell Grants and the FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant). While not Virginia state grants specifically, you can use these Federal funding options to pay for your accredit field of study.

Their are a number of Washington state grants and scholarships grants based a variety of merit and needs based criteria.

To be eligible for grants from the state government, students must turn in their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form by the deadline (usually June 30th of the year you plan to attend school).

Washington State uses the Expected Family Contribution number (a number calculated from the earnings disclosure presented in this form) to determine every student’s financial need.

Depending on this number, you may be eligible for a grant.

Here are some of the available options…

Washington College Grant

Many students in the state of Washington will receive this grant to help with the cost of their schooling.

After students have finished submitting their FAFSAs, the state of Washington will automatically consider each student for need-based funding. Any need-based grants that are awarded can be used at accredited universities, trade schools and community colleges within the state.

To be eligible for the award, students must be residents within the state of Washington and be enrolled at an accredited program.

Financially, students must have a family income of less than 65 percent of the current median level in the state. To continue to receive funding, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree.

In addition, students can be studying theology if they wish to receive state funding.

To obtain more information about Washington state grants, visit this site.

Pride Foundation

These grants encompass more than 50 different individual scholarship programs.

Students just have to complete one application and submit it to the Pride Foundation to be considered for all 50 programs.

Each scholarship is intended for lesbian, queer, gay, transgender, bisexual and straight-ally students. To be eligible, students must be current residents of Washington, Oregon, Montana, Alaska or Idaho.

They may attend school anywhere in the country, but must be enrolled at an accredited institution. Applicants may not be high school freshmen, sophomores or juniors. Award winners exhibit a commitment to social justice and academic success.

Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE)

WAVE was created for students who are enrolled at vocational colleges or trade schools in the state. These Washington state grants are intended to be given to students who exhibit financial need and exceptional levels of academic achievement.

Each year, three students in each legislative district are awarded with the grant. It covers two years of tuition at university. The total award amount is not to exceed the total cost of tuition and fees.

Applicants are chosen based on nominations by high schools, community colleges and skill centers.

Students must be enrolled at a high school or college within the state of Washington.

They must graduate from high school or have completed one year of studies in some form of vocational program. In addition, successful applicants cannot already have received the award in previous years.

Students who are searching for more information should go here.

HECB Promise Scholarship

The state of Washington provides scholarships to students who have achieved significant academic success in their high school education. The HECB Promise Scholarship is given to students who are from low- or middle-income families and are enrolled at a public college.

Applicants must be in the top 15 percent of their graduated class.

Additionally, they should have at least a 1,200 on the SAT or a 27 on the ACT.

The student’s family income cannot be greater than 135 percent of Washington State’s median income level.

Wendy Jackson Hall Memorial Scholarship

In memory of Wendy Jackson, this scholarship fund was set up to help others pursue a degree in the visual arts. Applicants must have a GPA of at least a 3.0 and be graduating from a public high school in Washington state.

They must be attending an art program in the United States immediately following their high school graduation. Although the program primarily judges applications based on academic merit, students must submit evidence of their financial need as well.

HECB Health Professional Loan Repayment Program

Applicants for this program must be prepared to serve in shortage and high needs areas.

They must be health care professionals in the state of Washington. This program will repay academic loans for students.

To receive a full repayment of their loans, health care professionals must work in high need areas for at least three years.

HECB Educational Opportunity Grant

This Washington state grants program is intended to help students who exhibit extreme financial need.

The grants are a total of $2,500 annually.

Students may receive additional yearly funding provided they make satisfactory academic progress. This award is given to students who have already completed their Associate of Arts degree and are about to continue their education.

William Hunt Professional Development Scholarship

This scholarship program is paid for through the Pacific Northwest chapter of the ASTA. The award provides up to $500 to students who want to attend the Travel Institute Educational Program or an ASTA seminar. Applicants must be studying hospitality, travel, tourism or a related industry.

They should be academically successful and have at least two years of work experience in the field.

The scholarship is provided as a reimbursement.

Only expenses and costs incurred at the seminar can be repaid. All reimbursements must be requested within one year of the seminar or program.

MGMA Western Section

This scholarship program is an agreement for reduced tuition costs in member states. Students within the Western coalition of states only have to pay the in-state cost of tuition and an additional 50 percent when studying at a member state.

Member states include: Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Alaska, Washington, Arizona, California, Utah, Oregon, Hawaii, Idaho, Colorado and New Mexico. To receive the reduced tuition, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.

HECB Washington Scholars Program

Another one of Washington state grants is the Scholars Program. Academic achievement, extracurricular activities are all taken into account in the selection of award winners. Students are nominated by their high school principals in the fall of their senior year.

Each year, the HECB gives out a total of 147 scholarships and chooses 49 alternates. The scholarship award lasts for up to 12 quarters of school. To continue to receive the scholarship, students must maintain at least a 3.3 GPA.

Grants are provided to undergraduate and graduate students to offset tuition and fee costs. Any remaining grants used for expenses outside academic purpose must be reported as taxable income on IRS tax forms. Fortunately, students do not need to pay back money to most grant providers except for the federal TEACH grant.

In Pennsylvania, the state offers numerous grants to students attending post-secondary institutions, which provides them with additional funding options outside of the more well known federal grants.

To qualify for federal and state grants and other types of financial aid, students need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (or FAFSA form), which documents income.

Additionally, financial aid offices request supplemental information, such as copies of recent tax forms from students. Also, every school has its own financial aid application. Generally, most grants are provided to students with strong financial need.

The state of Pennsylvania offers five grant programs to students attending postsecondary institutions. However, most of the grants are available to undergraduate students undertaking study to achieve an associates or bachelors degree. Thus, grants for graduate students are hardly existent in the state of Pennsylvania due to budget cuts.

Pennsylvania State Grant

For this grant, students need to submit a FAFSA form every year while attending school at least half-time, which is equivalent to six credits per semester.

A state grant form is required for the first year only.

The most important requirements are the following:

• Financial need.
• Be a high school graduate and Pennsylvania resident.
• Attending a postsecondary program approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
• A minimum of two years school program.
• Maintain a certain level of academic performance.
• Not be in prison.
• Attaining your first bachelors degree.

Some other requirements include not exceeding maximum allowable amount for approved program, not be in default for a loan, and 50% of program being applied for must be taught through classroom instruction. Furthermore, students need to do 50% of the work in the classroom. However, students with medical disabilities are exempt from the 50% classroom instruction rule by submitting the proper accommodation form.

The state also provides this grant to students for summer programs too, however, the summer grant counts toward the maximum allowable for the approved program, such as a community college or four-year institution. Additionally, the Pennsylvania State Grant is available to students attending state grant-approved nursing, business, trade or technical schools. Generally, grant amount is lower for students with high income-earning parents.

For example, based on PHEAA’s 2011 data, a student with parents earning $75,000 to $99,999 can receive up to $2,000 at a state school compared to another with parents earning under $25,000 receiving up to $3,700. At a four-year private school, an under-$25,000 student can receive up to $4,348, while a $75,000-to-$99,999 student can receive up to $2,950.

Students have a significantly lower amount if attending an out-of-state institution. Additionally, if a student meets an academic program’s eligibility as a U.S. Armed Forces veteran, they can receive up to $800 for an out-of-state school.

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PATH Program

Students are able to receive this grant through participating partners. This grant is awarded to students who have been awarded a grant or scholarship by Partnerships for Access to Higher Education partners. Also, to be eligible, students must have received the Pennsylvania State Grant for the academic term they have been nominated to receive a PATH grant. Additionally, a student must demonstrate financial need. Lastly, students must be enrolled in school at least half-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress. The grant cannot exceed $2,500 per year.

Submission of the FAFSA form is required.

Blind or Deaf Beneficiary Grant Program

Pennsylvania offers grants to students with visual and/or hearing impairment to attend postsecondary programs. Besides demonstrating financial need and submitting the FAFSA form, students must be Pennsylvania residents and either submit proof that they have been evaluated and eligible to receive benefits from the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or provide documentation from their physician regarding their visual and/or hearing impairment.

Students need to make satisfactory academic progress and be enrolled in school at least half-time to maintain the grant. Eligible students are awarded up to $500 per year for which the grant can replace a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) but cannot exceed the cost of attendance. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program

The state of Pennsylvania offers grants specifically for student who are foster children. Importantly, students must be Pennsylvania residents, eligible for services under Pennsylvania’s John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program and not be in default on federal student loans.

Eligible students can be either foster children or discharged or adopted from foster care after the age of 16. For this grant, there is a service requirement for the Chafee Program from ages 21 to 23.

A student’s chosen academic institution (whether a college or career school), must be approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV student assistance programs. Additionally, students must meet satisfactory academic progress based on institutional definitions and be enrolled in school half-time. Lastly, students must demonstrate financial need.

The maximum amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid a student receives. Also, the grant is not guaranteed and based on available federal funding. To apply, students must submit the Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program Application form and the FAFSA.

Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program

In honor of those who died while performing official duties, Pennsylvania offers grants for children of deceased firefighters, police officers, active military, National Guard, sheriffs and rescue or ambulance staff. This grant is specifically for those who who wish to attend public undergraduate programs, such as community colleges and state schools.

To be eligible, students must provide documentation that they are either a child (either adopted or biological) of…

•  A person who died in service after January 1, 1976 (for members of rescue or ambulance services, police and firefighting)
•  A person who died in service after September 11, 2001, for members of active duty military, National Guard, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs.

Also, a student must be under 25 years of age, be a Pennsylvania resident and enrolled in a state-funded institution. To apply, a student must submit the Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program waiver and FAFSA forms. The waiver only applies to tuition, fees and on-campus room and board costs.

For more information on Pennsylvania state grants, students can visit the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s Web site at http://www.pheaa.org. Individual schools’ financial aid office Web sites also provide similar information and links to federal and other state aid.

Virginia state grants are an ideal way for students in the state to obtain funding for their college education. Students should complete their federal financial aid applications and enroll at an accredited institution. Most scholarship and grant programs will require the student to be enrolled at a university.

In addition, students should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form early in the year they plan to attend school. The data disclosed on this form is used by federal and state governments to determine each student’s level of financial need, and accordingly, eligibility for a grant.

Some grants and scholarships to investigate…

Junior Achievement Essay

This essay competition is sponsored by David M. Rubenstein. Students in the Greater Washington region are eligible to compete for more than $100,000 of scholarship money that is intended to be awarded. The essay competition is open from August 24 to October 31. Students must write 1,000 to 1,500 word essays on topics decided by the scholarship committee. Whichever school has the highest number of applicants will receive an additional $6,000.

Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship

Started in 2002, this scholarship was created by the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade show. As one of the founders of MANTS, Carville M. Akehurst was a leader in the field of horticulture. He serves as vice-president of MANTS as well as Executive Secretary of the Maryland Nurserymen’s Association of Horticulture. The commemorative scholarship is handed out to students in the nursery and landscape profession. Scholarship winners will receive $1,000.

Bridgewater College Lantz Scholarship

This renewable scholarship is given to students at Bridgewater College. To receive the award, incoming freshmen must have at least a 3.2 GPA. Additionally, students must either graduate from Broadway High School or be members at the Linville Creek Church.

Virginia College Scholarship Assistance

This need-based grant was initiated in 1973. It was created to assist students who are extremely financially disadvantaged. To receive one of these Virginia state grants, students must fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline. All information in the application must be completely accurate. Students who attend private institutions must file an additional form known as the Tuition Assistance Grant to receive funding. To receive more information about the Virginia state grants program, students should check out http://www.schev.edu/students/undergradFinancialAidPrograms.asp.

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Mid-Atlantic Security Traders Foundation

Students who seek to receive this grant must be business majors in their sophomore or junior year of college. The non-profit organization awards a minimum of three scholarships every year of $2,500. One award winner from Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia receive one each of the three awards. Every August, the scholarship announces its award winners. Any money handed out is given to the students colleges in their names.

Students who apply for the award must be studying business, finance e.g: banking and other internation issues or economics. Applicants must be United States students and turn in their college transcript. The award is figured out according to the student’s essay, GPA, personal references and the honors the student received.

Lee-Jackson Educational Foundation

This scholarship award was made to commemorate the military achievements of General Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. Jackson. Anyone applying for the award must be a Virginia high school junior or senior. Each year, the foundation gives out one $10,000 award, eight $2,000 awards and eighteen $1,000 awards. Students must turn in their academic history and an essay detailing the personal traits they have that are similar to the military leaders.

For this award, students are not judged based off of their financial need.

Awards are handed out according to personal qualities and academic merit only. This foundation was started in 1953 and has enabled countless students to attend university. To find out more about the scholarship essay and receive an application, visit http://www.lee-jackson.org.

Virginia Commonwealth Awards

The commonwealth of Virginia created this award to help out undergraduate students who exhibit extreme financial needs. Students who want to achieve this award must send in their FAFSA application. Once the FAFSA has been completed, Virginia state residents will automatically be considered for the award. Each award is given out based on the students need.

Students who exhibit signs of greater financial need will receive a larger award. For more information about the award program, students should visit http://www.schev.edu/Students/factsheetCOMMA.asp.

Guaranteed Assistance Program

The Virginia Assistance Program was started to help financially disadvantaged students attend university. Students that exhibit the greatest amount of financial need will receive a larger grant. State law requires that students be given amounts in accordance with their financial need.

Students who seek to receive the award should be Virginia state residents and be enrolled in school full-time. To show their financial need, students must have completed their FAFSA and turned in the EFC amount to the award program. In addition, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be a graduate of a high school in Virginia. To check out more information about the award program, look at http://www.schev.edu/Students/factsheetVGAP.asp.

Higher Education Teacher Assistance Program

This award program was established by SCHEV to address the shortage of quality teachers within the state of Virginia. Award money is given out to students who are currently awarded in a K-12 preparation program.

To be accepted into the program, students must be enrolled at a qualified institution and be making academic progress within their degree program. They should demonstrate financial need and be nominated by a faculty member at their college.

In addition, students cannot currently owe money on any educational loans. Any student who is not already exempt must register for the Selective Service prior to applying for the loan. To receive more information about the Teacher Assistance Program, students should visit http://www.schev.edu/students/undergrad/FinancialAidPrograms.asp.

Tuition Assistance Grant Program

Another one of Virginia state grants is available to students who exhibit signs of academic merit. Awards are not given out based on financial need. To be eligible for the program, students must be attending a college in Virginia and be enrolled full-time. The award program was created in 1973 and has helped many students since that year to obtain their college degrees. To apply for the award, students should visit their college’s financial aid office for more information.

Online resources:

Teacher Assistance Program

http://www.schev.edu/students/undergrad/FinancialAidPrograms.asp

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program

http://www.schev.edu/Students/factsheetVGAP.asp

Paying for school or college can be difficult in these trying times. With the help of state grants, students in Utah have options other than loans to help finance their college educations.

These grants are given out based on a student’s financial need or academic merit. To determine eligibility for available Utah state grants, students should turn in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as soon as possible in the year they plan to attend school. Submitting this federal application is every student’s first step in obtaining post secondary funding.

The data gleaned from this application enables grant committees to decide a student’s financial need at xn--ln-pengar-52a.se/, and accordingly, the amount of grant money to which he or she is entitled (this is largely determined using the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), a number calculated from the income disclosure provided in the application).

Some school and college funding options available to you in Utah…

Don Estey Professional Development

This scholarship is provided by the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). This scholarship is intended to pay for the cost of attending the Travel Institute Educational Program or an ASTA event. Students must be United States residents and have at least two years of experience in the travel industry.

In addition, they should be members of the ASTA Rocky Mountain Chapter or be the children of members. After award winners have attended the conference, the Rocky Mountain chapter of the AFSA will pay for up to $3,000 of the cost of attendance.

Centennial Scholarship for Early Graduation

Utah state residents can apply for this grant to cover part of the amount of their tuition. The Centennial Scholarship is intended for students who plan on graduating early from high school and have completed all of their high school’s requirements. Applicants must receive their high school diploma from a public school in the state of Utah.

Students must also be enrolling at a college in the state of Utah or in the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. The partial tuition scholarship is given only to students who are enrolled full-time and who have started college within a year of their high school graduation. To receive more information about the scholarship, students should visit http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/Early_College/Centennial.htm.

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Utah New Century Scholarship

This scholarship program is designed to encourage high school students to earn their Associate’s degree while they are still in high school. Students can use the scholarship award at any university within the Utah System of Higher Education, Westminster College or at Brigham Young University. Each year, the requirements for the scholarship may change. To get the most recent information, students should check out http://www.higheredutah.org/index.php/scholarships/.

MGMA Western Section

This award program is intended to reduce the cost of students attending schools within the Western state area. Applicants must be residents of one of the Western states and be attending a school in the area. The states within the Western section include: Nevada, California, Alaska, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Hawaii, Colorado, Oregon and Montana.

The tuition agreement means that out-of-state students only have to pay the cost of in-state tuition and an additional 50 percent. To continue to receive the tuition waiver, students must make satisfactory academic progress and maintain a minimum GPA.

NTA Utah Keith Griffall Scholarship

Applicants for this award program must be permanent residents within the state of Utah. They should be enrolled at an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States and have a GPA of at least a 3.0. The program covers the cost of travel, tourism or hospitality studies. Applicants must already have started their second year of college and should have at least 30 semester credit hours completed.

If students have completed two years of college, they must have successfully finished a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. Applicants who want one of these Utah state grants should access the Tourism Cares website and apply by April 9.

Online resources:

Early Graduation Centennial Scholarship

http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/Early_College/Centennial.htm

Utah New Century Scholarship

http://www.higheredutah.org/index.php/scholarships/

With tuition costs sky rocketing, paying for college can be difficult for first-time students.

For Wyoming state residents, paying for school or college is possible using available state grants. These scholarships and aid options can be used to cover tuition, books and fee costs. In some cases, the extra money can be used to also pay for the price of room and board or transportation.

Students who are interested in finding ways to pay for college should first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) form.

Submitting this form is the first step in registering to receive federal and state grant money, should you be eligible to receive it.

It also calculates a student “Expected Family Contribution” (EFC), a number which factors heavily into the amount of grant money that will be awarded, should you qualify.

This EFC number can be used by other grant and scholarship programs to calculate the student’s financial need and figure out the amount that ought to be awarded.

With that said, here are the specific Wyoming Grants and Scholarships…

Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Scholarships

Run by the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining institute, this scholarship program gives money to students who are in their junior or senior year of college. Students must send in an application and express an interest in industries related to mining. Money awarded by the program is intended to cover the cost of tuition.

Students who are state residents of Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Montana or Utah are eligible for the award. Their current degree program must be in geology, engineering, environmental studies or metallurgy. Successful applicants will receive award money for the following year of school.

Hathaway Scholarships

The state of Wyoming created this award program in the name of former Governor Stan Hathaway. Students who apply for the program must show strong academic potential and exhibit signs of financial need.

Money given out by the program is intended for students studying at the University of Wyoming or a community college within the state.

To be eligible, students must turn in an application prior to the start of the semester.

Each community college has its own form, but university students are automatically entered for the scholarship at the time of their admittance to the University of Wyoming.

To receive more information about the scholarship, students should check out http://www.k12.wy.us/Hathaway.asp

MGMA Western Section Scholarship

Created by a coalition of Western states, this scholarship money comes in the form of reduced tuition costs.

Students who attend one of the schools in the coalition only have to pay an additional 50 percent more than the cost of in-state tuition. This program was set up by the states of Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Wyoming, Oregon, Colorado, California, Idaho, Utah and Washington.

Eligible students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress and be enrolled in a qualifying undergraduate or graduate degree program.

Don Estey Professional Development Scholarship

Started by the ASTA Rocky Mountain Chapter, this program awards money to students attending the ASTA or the Travel institute Educational Program. Students must be United States residents and have at least two years of travel industry experience.

At least one member of their travel office should be a current member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the ASTA. Once the student attends the program, they may be reimbursed for the registration or travel costs.

Each application for reimbursement must be made no more than one year following the application deadline. Students must also submit an essay detailing their interest in the travel industry and experience with the program.

JSU Alabama McGee Scholarship

This scholarship is intended for any out-of-state student going to school within the state of Alabama. Applicants must have at least a 1260 on their SAT or a 28 on their ACT to receive the scholarship.

For successful applicants, the award equals a total of $2,000 and is renewable each year.

Heidelberg College Grant

This grant is another one intended for students who are residents of states other than Ohio.

The renewable scholarship is awarded contingent on a student’s academic history and progress in their studies.

To receive more information about the award or apply, students should visit http://www.heidelberg.edu/financialaid/futurestudent/scholarships.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

This scholarship is available in the states of Wyoming, Colorado, Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Montana.

Applicants should have at least a GPA of 2.5 and be planning on attending college after their high school graduation.

In addition, applicants must be current high school seniors.

To apply, students need to submit an essay about someone they know who has a substance abuse problem.

The student should write in detail about how they believe the issue should be and was dealt with. Essays are judged according to normal high school essay standards. Whatever essay is judged as the best will be published in the ALERT Magazine.

More information about the program is available at http://www.alertmagazine.org.

Students who are interested in Wyoming state grants should check with their university or college.

Many schools offer their own scholarship programs for incoming students.

In addition, students who exhibit financial need can always apply to receive the federal Pell Grant as well as the The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) to help offset the cost of college tuition.

Students who are attending college in-state can normally receive a significant portion of their college costs from a combination of federal, state and private grant programs.

Online resources:

Hathaway Scholarship Program

http://www.k12.wy.us/Hathaway.asp

Alert Magazine

http://www.alertmagazine.org

Heidelberg College Grant Program

http://www.heidelberg.edu/financialaid/futurestudent/scholarships

Students within Rhode Island have access to numerous funding options to help pay for school, college and university. These financial aid options come in the form of scholarships, state and federal grants and loan money. To get started on the process of determining your eligibility for Rhode Island state grants, every student’s first step is to complete their FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid; see more details here!)

Once the federal application for student aid is complete, many federal, as well as state funding options, will be applied for automatically. Other loans and grants will also require the results compiled from the FAFSA to assess funding eligibility.

This federal application provides students with a “Expected Family Contribution” (EFC) number.

This number is a calculation of the student’s eligibility for financial aid, based on his or her income, and the income of his or her parents, should it be applicable.

The EFC of the student and his or her family is used by scholarship/grant boards to determine the financial need of the student. Although many scholarships are merit based, some programs are given out based on the family’s financial need. A lower EFC number equates to more money in grants and scholarships.

Rhode Island State Grant

To apply for this grant program, students just have to turn in their FAFSA. The grant program was designed by the government of Rhode Island to give financially needy students with funding for a college education. Students must be residents of Rhode Island for at least a year prior to enrollment. They should not owe any refund many on student loans or grants. They cannot already possess a bachelor’s degree and must be enrolled in an accredited program that leads to some form of certificate or degree.

Students who have been award Rhode Island State grants can receive the entire cost of tuition, fees and a standard living allowance. Any money reported for their EFC or Pell Grant is subtracted from this number to create the total amount that is to be awarded. Part-time students will have half of tuition, fees and living allowance added together.

After this number is calculated, the state will subtract the EFC, Pell grants and an additional $600. Generally, the standard living allowance is calculated at $5,000 for dependent students and $6,000 for independent students. Provided students maintain their enrollment status, they can reapply for this grant each year of their schooling.

Academic Promise Grant

The Academic Promise Grant is another scholarship awarded to students within the state of Rhode Island. It comes with many of the same eligibility requirements as other Rhode Island state grants, but also comes with the additional rule that students be high achievers and take either the SAT or ACT tests. For first year students in the program, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required. As school progresses, the GPA requirement increases. If students meet the financial and academic requirements, they are awarded up to $5,500 annually toward the cost of their education.

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CollegeBoundfund Scholarship

The state of Rhode Island offers a college savings program for students and families within the state. Family members within the state can put aside money today in order to pay for their child’s education in the future. The funds allow students to invest as much as they want and receive a state income tax deduction. While the student grows up, the fund continues to earn money.

Families can start out their account with just an investment of $250. After the initial amount, they can set up an automatic transfer from their bank account with each payment. Oversight of the program is run by Alliance Bernstein Investments. The experience investment managers ensure that the educational fund is well-run and increases annually.

With the matching grant program, low- and moderate-income can get the help they need. Eligible families will receive matching funds for every contribution the make to their student’s account in the CollegeBoundfund. To be eligible for the matching grant aspect of the program, families must be state residents and complete the application process.

Unlike the regular CollegeBoundfund program, families must meet certain age, dependency and income requirements. Time limits are also set on the amount of time the money must remain within the account. In general, all money put into the account must remain there for a minimum of five years.

In addition, the fund must be created before the child’s 11th birthday. Every year that the family has a low enough income level, the program will match the fund for up to $500. For extremely impoverished families, the program will award $2 for every $1 placed in the investment fund. This number cannot total more than $1,000 for each year of program eligibility.

Shaw Worth Scholarship Award

This memorial scholarship is awarded to one New England high school senior each year. The student must make a significant contribution to animal rights, conservation or animal protection during their high school experience. Many of the successful past applicants worked within leadership teams at animal oriented organizations or worked in animal rescue programs. Although the student’s academic achievement and recommendations are looked at, scholarships are primarily awarded based on the students involvement with animals.

Rachel Butterworth Dietz Scholarship

Every year, the Boston Flower Exchange has committed to handing out a scholarship in the name of Rachel Butterworth Dietz. The scholarship is to be in the amount of $5,000 for just one year of school. Students must be currently attending or about to attend programs in horticulture or floriculture. Successful applicants must either be in a horticulture program or be accepted into a program for the following year.

Columbus Citizens Foundation

Started in 1984, the Columbus Citizens Foundation Scholarship is given out to students who demonstrate financial need. These four-year scholarships are intended to help students out with the cost of college tuition. Students should be of Italian descent and have a GPA of at least 3.25. Financial need requirements entail that the families do not make more than $25,000. Applicants must also be graduating high school seniors who are about to enter their first year of college. One month after applicants are interviewed, the scholarship committee will announce the award winners for the year.

The Rhode Island Foundation Scholarships

For students who are seeking Rhode Island state grants, the Rhode Island Foundation is the top spot to check out. This organization offers 150 different scholarship opportunities. Students of nursing, science, liberal arts, business and a host of other majors can find scholarships that are made specifically for that field of study.

The scholarship program was intended or students who are about to attend university, but also have grants available for middle school and high school students.

Students who have already turned in their STARS applications can often use these for many of their Foundation scholarship applications. Once students have registered with the Foundation, they can automatically find out which scholarships they are eligible for. Although some of the scholarships have to be applied for off-site, many of the grants within the directory are easy to apply for using the Foundations application.

Online resources:

Office of Higher Education

http://www.ribghe.org/

The Rhode Island Foundation

http://www.rifoundation.org/Default.aspx

Looking for South Dakota Grants and Scholarships?

With the rising costs of post-secondary education, scholarships, federal loan programs, and federal and state grants are necessary for most students to attend college at an affordable cost.

To help meet this need, there are a variety of South Dakota State Grants and scholarships available to those students who qualify…

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship

The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship is a program which awards select South Dakota resident students $5000 total over the course of 4 years.

To qualify, students must have graduated from high school in South Dakota within the past 5 years and have an SAT minimum score of of at least 1070 or an ACT score of 24 or higher. Further requirements include:

• Students must meet requirements for the types of courses taken in High School.
• Schools of higher education that the student chooses to attend must be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in South Dakota.

More information on this South Dakota State Grant may be obtained at http://sdos.sdbor.edu.

Dakota Corps Scholarship

The Dakota Corps Scholarship generally grants qualified students full funding of post-secondary tuition and usually all fees (based on public college costs).

Those attending private schools can still access the funding, but it will likely not cover the higher rates at the private school (just the public school rate). A few main requirements for receiving these funds include:

Commitment by the student to work in a high-need occupation for a specified amount of time. Some high-need occupations are teaching and nursing.

• Must have graduated from a South Dakota high school with a Grade Point Average of at least 2.8 out of 4.
• ACT score of at least 24.
• Apply for the Scholarship within one year of graduation from high school.

For more information, go here

Jump Start Scholarship

This relatively new program is for those students who graduate from a public high school in less than three years and enrolls in a participating school of higher education without also attending any high school classes that year (what would have been the 4th year of high school).

The amount of the award is $1,812.09 for the first year of college. Further qualifying requirements include:

• Must be a South Dakota resident
• Must fulfill all high school educational requirements for the program

More details about this scholarship may be found at http://sdbor.edu/students/JumpStart.htm

Robert C Byrd Honors Scholarship Program

This scholarship awards about $1,500 to 15 qualifying students each year. Out of all applicants for the scholarship, the best students are selected based on:

• South Dakota residencey
• Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher
• A score higher than 29 on the ACT

More information about the Robert C Byrd Scholarship Program can be found at www2.ed.gov/programs/iduesbyrd/index.html

The Richard Hagen-Minerva Harvey Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship program awards at selected student with up to $6,000 over the span of 4 years. The qualifications are as follows:

• Must be an American Indian who is registered with a tribe located in South Dakota.
• Must have graduated from an accredited high school located in South Dakota within 5 years of application.
• Maintenance of a college cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 at a public or private approved institution of higher learning located in South Dakota.

Please go to the South Dakota Department of Education website to see more details about this scholarship: doe.sd.gov/secretary/scholarships.asp#HagenHarvey

Ramia Boersma Memorial Scholarship

The Ramia Boersma Memorial Scholarship is an award of up to $750 for select students who have high academic achievement and plan on becoming educators.

Basic Qualifications are as follows:

• Must be the child of a current or former member of the South Dakota Education Association.
• Must be in the top 25% of graduating class at a public school located in South Dakota
• Enrollment to a South Dakota school of higher learning.
• A 300 to 500 word essay.

For further details, please review the program at http://sdea.org/hom/523.htm

South Dakota Grants and Scholarships: Federal Grants Opportunities

Federal Pell Grant: This program is for those who have never achieved a Bachelor degree or higher and are attending college or university.

The amount awarded depends on income and amount of credits enrolled in. The maximum award amount per year is $5,550.

More information about the Pell Grant may be found here!

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Those who are in the most financial need will be the first ones to be considered for this need-based grant.

The amount that is awarded depends on several factors but may be up to $4,000 per year (more information on the FSEOG can be found here!)

Eligibility for these federal grants (as well as many state grants as well) is determined by the data obtained in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

If you have not yet submitted one, it should be your next step. More details on the FAFSA here!

Summary

Hopefully you have found this article on South Dakota Grants and Scholarships helpful.

With so many opportunities for grants and other free money for education, students in South Dakota can gain affordable, quality education. Those who have good grades and commitment to higher education seem to have the best educational funding opportunities at their fingertips.

With the soaring price of higher education, many students in New Mexico eagerly look for information regarding New Mexico Grants For Schools to help offset the financial cost. The first place students should look is for available grants.

Grants are provided based on certain eligibility requirements usually centered around financial need, and they do not need to be paid back at the completion of the individual’s education.

Many people preparing to enter the system of higher education end up taking out student loans, which must be repaid, often at high interest rates.

According to CNN Money, in 2011 the average student loan upon graduation topped $25,000, which is a steep amount of debt to be entering the working world carrying. Prospective students should exhaust their grant and scholarship opportunities before taking a trip to the loan officer.

Grants are offered by state and local governments to qualified students preparing to enter a college or university.

The state of New Mexico offers individuals the option of applying for three separate school grants, the College Affordability Grant, the New Mexico Student Incentive Grant, and the Student Choice Grant.

The New Mexico College Affordability Grant

The College Affordability Grant is offered to students who demonstrate financial need but do not qualify for other grants or scholarships. The state aims to offer these students the opportunity to complete a degree at a New Mexico university or college.

Students who are interested in this grant must demonstrate that they are beginning an undergraduate degree at a public New Mexico university or college, be a New Mexico resident, not receiving other grants or scholarships, be enrolled for at least six credits per semester, and show they are in need of aid as defined by government regulations.

Once a student has been approved for the grant, he or she can receive up to $1000 per semester, renewable with the student showing satisfactory progress, for up to eight semesters.

New Mexico Student Incentive Grant

This grant has some similar guidelines. Students applying must be U.S. citizens and New Mexico residents, demonstrate financial need, working on an undergraduate degree, and are enrolled for at least six credits per semester. Note there is no prohibition against receiving other financial aid to receive this grant.

This award can be worth between $200 and $2500 per year, and part time students can receive prorated awards.

This grant, in addition to being offered to students attending public New Mexico universities or colleges, can also be given to students attending St. John’s College, the University of the Southwest, the Institute of American Indian Art, Crownpoint Institute of Technology, Diné College, and the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute.

The Student Choice Grant

This school grant is offered for students attending the private institutions of St. John’s College or the University of the Southwest. To apply for this award, the student must again be an undergraduate, a resident of New Mexico, enrolled at least six credits per semester, and demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

The amount of this grant is left entirely up to the institution.

To apply for all three of these grants, students must begin by filling out the Free Appplication for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

This form will help those reviewing the applications discern how much need the student has and how much to award in grant money.

Each of the applicable public or private institutions in the state of New Mexico has their own financial aid office to guide students along the process of applying for grants and other scholarships.

Each institution establishes its own procedures for application as well as deadlines for submission. Students should contact financial aid offices at their institutes of higher learning for more information about these grants as well as necessary forms and guidance.

New Mexico strives to help its students afford school and become more educated citizens. Those who demonstrate substantial need are given assistance and incentives to help them continue their education and be successful in their chosen fields.

Incoming students should be sure to thoroughly investigate all federal and state grants, in addition to any scholarships that help with the cost of tuition before applying for student loans.

For the past several years the economy has been rough for recent graduates looking for gainful employment, and beginning with a debt the size of a down payment on a house is a rough way to start.

For students in New Mexico there are three different grants awarded to qualified students.

For more information, students should speak with the financial aid offices at the universities or visit the department of higher education for the state of New Mexico at http://www.hed.state.nm.us.

The North Dakota state government wants its students to succeed.

Those in leadership understand that the immense cost of education is a deterrent to many seeking to continue their learning.

Recent events have brought the enormous student loans that many graduates carry to the forefront of the conversation on the economy and education.

The rippling effects of this debt is going to be felt by society for years to come, as those with the debt are going to have difficult buying homes and may delay getting married and starting a family.

When students sit down to plan their financial aid for universities or college, they should be sure to apply for any grants and scholarships that they qualify for before student loans, as most grants do not need to be repaid.

The North Dakota state government offers a few different options for those looking to apply for grants and scholarships within the state.

North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant program

The first grant offered is known as the North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant program. This grant program will award qualified students up to $1500 for each academic year, and students need to reapply for the following year. Students who are North Dakota residents, high school graduates (or GED recipients), and enrolled in a North Dakota college for a least a full year program are qualified to apply.

To submit an application for this grant, students need to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) form.

People who are able to turn it in by April 15 will receive priority consideration.

Government Scholarships For Performance

The government also offers a variety of scholarships for qualifying students. There are academic scholarships offered for students who have performed exceptionally well through high school and taken challenging courses to prepare themselves for college. They must score at least a 24 on the ACT exam, and must take the exam before February 12. They must also have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0 for their high school career.

The scholarships are renewable for those who maintain a scholarship of at least 2.75 while studying full time. The scholarships will award up to $750 per semester, or $6000 in total.

The application must be completed by June 7 and the forms can be found on the North Dakota State website: https://www.dpi.state.nd.us/.

North Dakota Career and Technical Education Scholarships

For students who have done well academically, there are also North Dakota Career and Technical Education Scholarships. The qualifications are the same as for the academic scholarships; candidates need a 3.0 GPA for high school and maintain a 2.75 while studying, and receive a 24 on the ACT or five threes on WorkKeys Assessments. The deadline for applications is also on June 7.

This scholarship also offers $750 per semester, or $6000 in total.

Scholarships for Native Americans

There are also scholarships for Native Americans looking to attend a North Dakota college or university or tribal college. Applicants must be a member of a recognized tribe and looking to attend an institute of higher learning. Those awarded will receive between $800 and $2000 per academic year.

For more information, and for applications, interested students should contact Rhonda Schauer, the North Dakota University System coordinator for multicultural education.

North Dakota offers a wide range of academic scholarships and grants to assist students from a variety of backgrounds be able to afford higher education without incurring enormous debts. Students are strongly encouraged to carefully review these options and apply for all applicable rewards before venturing into the student loans.

Hopefully the wide range of loans will allow hard working students the opportunity to attend a state institution and pursue their career choice.