Mar 3 (edited) • 🎓 Strategy Posts
3️⃣💰Financial Aid 103: Scholarships & External Funding
We’ve covered need-based aid from U.S. colleges. But what if your financial need isn’t fully met, or you’re looking for ways to lower costs further? Let’s break down other ways to fund your education:
📌 Merit Scholarships: Awarded for Excellence
✔ Offered by colleges for academics, leadership, sports, or special talents
✔ Competitive—often requires a separate application or early deadlines
✔ Some schools offer automatic merit aid based on GPA & SAT/ACT scores
💡 Example: Vanderbilt, USC, and Tulane have generous merit scholarships
📌 External Scholarships: Free Money from Outside Sources (Important for International Students!)
✔ Private organizations, companies, and foundations offer awards
✔ Some are national, others are local (less competition = higher chance!)
✔ Embassies, government programs, and community orgs may have funding
📌 Work-Study & On-Campus Jobs
✔ U.S. citizens can qualify for federal work-study through FAFSA
✔ International students can work part-time on campus (check visa rules)
✔ Common jobs: Library assistant, tutoring, research assistant, dining hall staff
📌 Cost-Saving Strategies
✔ Start at a community college → Transfer to a top university
✔ Look for in-state tuition waivers (some states allow intl students to qualify)
✔ Consider tuition-free schools like Berea College (for high-need students)
📌 Negotiating Your Aid Package
✔ If you receive multiple offers, some colleges may increase your aid if you ask
✔ If your financial situation changes, you can appeal for more assistance
💡 Pro Tip: Be polite, specific, and provide documentation when requesting more aid
📣 Take Action:
✔ Research merit & external scholarships NOW
✔ Ask colleges about on-campus work options
✔ Compare aid offers carefully—look at net cost, not just total aid
💬 Questions? Drop them below!
Next up: Studying in the UK 🇬🇧
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3️⃣💰Financial Aid 103: Scholarships & External Funding
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