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USI Financial Assistance has gathered the following financial resources from outside sources. USI does not endorse any of the outside organizations listed on this page. It is not recommended that you apply for scholarships that require the payment of a fee. Also, do not provide personal information, such as your Social Security number, to any organization unless you are certain that the information is being used for a legitimate purpose. For your benefit a Consumer Advisory is listed below.
You can research scholarship opportunities listed on this web page and you can use the scholarship search links to look for other possible sources. Scholarships are categorized by school of degree and other specificities and some may be listed in more than one category.
Lending institutions often advertise on or even sponsor scholarship search web sites, so you may receive promotional mailings advertising educational loan opportunities. If you wish to apply for a student loan or other type of financial aid, you must complete a Federal Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA). Please note that the college you plan to attend is your best source of information on student loans. If you follow their recommended procedures, you will have fewer problems with the student loan process.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, unscrupulous companies guarantee or promise scholarships, grants or fantastic financial aid packages. Many use high pressure sales pitches at seminars where you're required to pay immediately or risk losing out on the "opportunity." Some unscrupulous companies guarantee that they can get scholarships on behalf of students or award them "scholarships" in exchange for an advance fee. Most offer a "money back guarantee"- but attach conditions that make it impossible to get the refund. Others provide nothing for the student's advance fee - not even a list of potential sources; still others tell students they've been selected as "finalists" for awards that require an up-front fee. Sometimes, these companies ask for a student's checking account to "confirm eligibility," then debit the account without the student's consent. Other companies quote only a relatively small "monthly" or "weekly" fee and then ask for authorization to debit your checking account - for an undetermined length of time. The FTC cautions students to look and listen for these tell-tale lines:
- "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
- "You can't get this information anywhere else."
- "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship."
- "We'll do all the work."
- "The scholarship will cost some money."
- "You've been selected" by a "national foundation" to receive a scholarship - or "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered.
- Take your time. Don't be rushed into paying at the seminar. Avoid high-pressure sales pitches that require you to buy now or risk losing out on the opportunity. Solid opportunities are not sold through nerve-racking tactics.
- Investigate the organization you're considering paying for help. Talk to a guidance counselor or financial aid advisor before spending your money. You may be able to get the same help for free.
- Be wary of "success stories" or testimonials of extraordinary success
Scholarship FAQs
I received an outside scholarship. Should I report it to the financial aid office?
Yes, by accepting federal, state, or institutional financial assistance, you have agreed to report all scholarships to the USI Student Financial Assistance Office.
What can I do to improve my scholarship potential?
While grades, class rank, and SAT/ACT test scores are certainly the most important considerations in determining who receives many academic scholarships, these factors can also influence non-academic awards. Therefore, high academic standing should be your first goal. Second, be involved. Some awards are based on participation in school and community activities. Third, develop your special talents or abilities. Fourth, have a declared major when you apply for college admission. Some scholarships are not major-specific but you improve your chances for selection by having a major.
Once you are in college, continue with the strategies above. In addition, sit near the front in your classes, smile at your professors, listen carefully, and take notes. It also helps to be involved in organizations and activities related to your major.
Should I apply for need-based financial aid?
Most definitely! While a student may not be considered needy enough to receive a Pell Grant, some financial need may be evident and it may take only a slight amount of need to be considered for scholarships that incorporate need in the criteria for selection.
If I receive a scholarship(s) can I still get financial aid funding?
Yes, scholarship recipients may also receive federal and state financial aid. Scholarship funding often affects the total financial aid package. The USI Student Financial Assistance Office will send you a notification any time an adjustment is required. Normally, scholarships are used to reduce, or to replace, loan or work funding. If you have specific questions about how a scholarship will affect your financial aid, contact your financial assistance counselor.
How many years can I receive scholarships?
Most outside or external scholarships are awarded one year at a time and may require reapplication. Some are limited to one year and may not be renewed. Most institutional scholarships are limited to four years. Athletic scholarships awarded by the institution are awarded for one year and may or may not be renewed. Renewal of athletic awards is at the discretion of the coaches.
Scholarship Search Services
These scholarship search databases list fewer than 8,000 scholarship programs that offer portable scholarships, those that can be taken to any college. Other databases may list 100,000 to 600,000 awards but most require attendance at a particular college or university.
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