With the country's student loan debt now larger than our credit card debt, is it possible to graduate from college without years of loan payments on the horizon? 

Independent College Consultant, Marie Morris, stopped by to tell us about the wide variety of scholarships are out there for every type of student!

What are scholarships?  A form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid.
 

What kinds of scholarships are available? Look for scholarship applications on college and University websites, and through local high schools, plus via websites of businesses and non-profit organizations.

Are Scholarships only for straight A students or athletes?  NO!  Schools award scholarships for leadership and community service as well.  My favorite: the Saint Scholarship at College of St Benedict/St John’s University in St. Cloud MN.  When you apply for admission into the College you are automatically considered for the Saint Scholarship.

Many outside scholarships are available.  My personal favorite is for the .tennis player with diabetes

How do I find them?  
Many schools consider students for scholarships when they apply for admission.  Check the websites for any other scholarships at school applying to that might need application.   Also, sometimes those deadlines are earlier than regular application deadlines.
 

• Outside scholarships:  There are a number of good search websites that will create a list of scholarships based on personal data.   By creating your profile earlier in you high school career, you can see what you need to do to be eligible by senior year.  Check locally at high school website for neighborhood associations, and elementary school alumni scholarships.  Check with parents:  some companies or unions or employee associations offer scholarships.
• Cappex is one great scholarship search site
• The other is Zinch

Start early and apply to many, it’s a numbers game.  Don’t discount the $500 scholarship; they add up.  Just think, if it only took 2 hours to complete and you won that comes out to $250/hour.  What teenager makes that kind of money?