In addition to receiving financial aid from the federal government, state government, and the college or university you choose to attend, great opportunities exist for getting money through scholarships. These awards provide money to help you pay for your education, and unlike student loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid. Scholarships are frequently renewable, but in order to be eligible for renewal you must often maintain a certain GPA.

There are many national scholarships out there that grant large amounts of money to their selected winners. While these are definitely worth applying for, it is also wise to consider your options at the state and local level. You have excellent chances of being chosen for scholarships sponsored by organizations in your community, so talk to your high school counselor or visit your school career resource center to learn more about local contests.

The following websites offer databases of thousands of scholarships as well as helpful scholarship search tools:

• www.fastweb.com
• www.collegeboard.com
• www.anycollege.net
• www.srnexpress.com
• www.collegeanswer.com
• www.scholarships.com
• www.findtuition.com
• www.collegenet.com
• www.fastaid.com