Whether it’s college or university, everyone agrees that it’s expensive, but here’s the good news: every year billions of dollars in scholarships and grants go unclaimed. Free money for college is out there, waiting for students just like you. The real trick is knowing where to look and how to apply.
“Students don’t realize how many scholarships are available right here in our community,” said Hillsborough High School counselor Mrs. Hassan. “The smaller ones may only be a few hundred dollars, but they’re often easier to win and they add up.”
The key is understanding Financial aid. The first step for most students is completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). “It’s the application that every college asks for at a minimum,” said Mrs. Kristen Isaacson, a financial aid officer from Monmouth University, during the recent virtual financial aid night on October 8, 2025.
Through StudentAid.gov, students can submit the FAFSA, explore loan and grant programs and even use helpful tools like the Federal Student Aid Estimator to predict how much aid one may qualify for. Another important resource mentioned is each college’s Net Price Calculator, which estimates your total costs and potential aid. Every college website is said to have one.
Isaacson also highlighted the key financial aid terms, such as the Cost of Attendance, which includes tuition, housing, books, transportation and other personal expenses as well. Likewise, the Student Aid Index, a number that determines how much need based aid a student may receive. “Your SAI can even be negative, depending on your financial situation,” said Isaacson. “And that’s okay. It just helps schools figure out what kind of aid package you might be eligible for.”
To complete the FAFSA, both students and parents need to set up accounts on StudentAid.gov, which acts as their digital signatures. Each contributor will need their own login credentials and information must match their Social Security records exactly. Isaacson also recommends creating a secure record of usernames and passwords to avoid confusion when applying year after year.
Once you have mastered financial aid forms, it’s time to hunt for scholarships. These awards can be based on merit, need or a combination of both. They come from colleges, nonprofits, religious organizations and even local organizations. One of the best starting points is HHS’s college counselor Mrs. Aimee Thomson’s Big List of Scholarships, available on the guidance office website. Other great platforms include BigFuture Scholarships, Going Merry and Fastweb.
Winning Scholarships isn’t about luck, it’s about strategy. Stay organized by creating a deadline calendar, tailor specific essays to each scholarship’s theme and ask teachers or coaches for recommendations letters. Avoid common mistakes like missing deadlines or ignoring smaller awards, or feeling the need to pay to apply to scholarships, as this is not necessary.
Even small awards make a difference. “Think of scholarships as a part time job that pays off big,” said Mrs. Hassan. “$500 can cover textbooks, while larger awards can cut thousands off tuition.”
The takeaway: the earlier you start, the more opportunities you’ll find and that free money won’t wait forever.
