Pursuing a degree in top colleges and universities gives many opportunities to experience diverse cultures and perspectives. But, the high cost of tuition and living expenses can often become a hurdle in studying at the most prestigious academic institutions. Fortunately, scholarships can help mitigate these costs by providing financial support to students pursuing their academic goals. Those interested in applying for such scholarships should do the necessary research regarding how to apply and which ones to apply to.

Scholarship awards are competitive. So, aspire for academic scholarships if you have an outstanding GPA and standardized test scores, and also make a list of your unique characteristics and talents while filling out your profile for scholarships.

All this may appear overwhelming initially, but with a little research and preparation, once you start the process in an organized manner, it definitely gets easier. Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, accounting, architecture, social sciences, business management, law, foreign language studies, health and medical science, nursing, teaching and agriculture, automation and cosmetology are only a few areas of study offered to pursue your educational and professional goals. Browse through the internet to narrow your search for applicable scholarship programs and find the one that best suits you.

Here is a list of National scholarships for US citizens:
National Founder’s Graduate Business Student Scholarship
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
O.E. Foundation Scholarships
RIT Financial Aid & Scholarship
National Merit Scholarship
Horatio Alger National Career & Technical Scholarship Program
NABA National Scholarship Program Application
The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program
CIA Undergraduate Internship Program
UHC National Scholarships

The following associations offer scholarships for eligible family members:
The American Foreign Service Association Merit Awards and Financial Aid Scholarships
DACOR Bacon House Foundation Dreyfus Fellowship Awards
The Foreign Service Youth Foundation Awards and Scholarships and
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund

The following institutes offer loans or loan repayment assistance:
Americorps
Maryland Prepaid College Trust
Virginia Education Savings Trust
DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program and
Financial Aid Information

All the required financial assistance materials must be submitted well ahead of the deadlines posted for each college and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be filed to be considered for financial assistance.
Thousands of dollars are available every year in scholarship awards for hardworking students, but do be aware of scholarship scams. Good luck on your way to obtaining a remarkable financial aid package.