Smart Searches for Scholarships

     A college education can cost from $100,000 to over $300,000 depending on the college.  This exorbitant cost underscores the need for applicants to obtain scholarships or need-based grants to cover as much of this cost as possible. 
     Your family should not wait to receive scholarship or need-based grant offers from colleges that accept your child.  Your child can start applying for scholarships in ninth grade.  A great place to search and apply for scholarships is www.scholarship.com. 
     Your child will be very busy growing and creating a compelling profile for college admissions officers throughout high school.  By setting aside a few hours each month to apply to scholarships, your child could obtain a substantial amount of scholarships to defray the cost of her college education.
     While it is tempting to apply to high profile and large scholarships offered by Fortune 100 companies, consider local and niche scholarships offered to students in a particular location or from a certain background that may receive less competition.  Winning several of these scholarships over time may equal or surpass one larger scholarship.  Your child should also discuss scholarships offered by local organizations like Rotary or Kiwanis with her guidance counselor. 
     Every scholarship your child receives will directly offset the cost of her college education and will help your family offset the cost of her college education.