Flickr user Kristina Zuidema
Applying for scholarships can be a time-consuming task. You have to first search for opportunities that you qualify for and then put together a customized application that meets all the specifications. When you consider the time and trouble that it takes to put it all together, you may wonder whether it is worth it at all to apply for small scholarships. Once you understand how to get scholarships, you will see why it is worth taking the time to apply to all opportunities that you are eligible for, no matter how big or small the award amount.
How to Get Scholarships
To win any award money, you have to first go through the scholarship eligibility criteria carefully and then put together an application that meets all the requirements. You will find that different scholarships have different requirements. Submitting a customized application that ticks all the boxes will increase your odds of winning the award.
How Small Scholarships Add Up
When you come across a scholarship that offers a comparatively small award, don’t shrug it off immediately. If you meet the requirements, bookmark it and put in as much effort into the application as you would any larger scholarship. Smaller scholarship awards also tend to draw in less competition, which automatically raises your chances. Any money you win means that much less you will need to borrow by way of high-interest loans.
Yes, those small scholarships can add up considerably and help make your debt more manageable after you graduate.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
