College tuition more than doubled between 1985-2018, accounting for inflation. This price increase drove degree-seekers to take out approximately $1.5 trillion in federal and private student loans. Loans present many financial disadvantages for college graduates, so prospective and current college students should explore alternative financial aid options.
The internet provides access to numerous scholarships for college, including unique scholarships. These financial aid opportunities cater to degree-seekers with specific interests and talents. The following sections detail just a few of these unusual scholarships, links to the sponsoring organizations’ websites, and tips for obtaining as many scholarships as possible.
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Who Can Apply: The ABFSE National Scholarship Program awards five scholarships to learners majoring in mortuary science or funeral service. Application materials include official transcripts and two recommendation letters. Only U.S. citizens may apply. Interested students apply online by the March 1 or September 1 deadline. The ABFSE awards funding for the following semester.
Amount: $1,500-$2,500
Who Can Apply: The AFSA Scholarship targets high school seniors applying to college and nontraditional learners returning to school. The scholarship does not consider GPA, financial need, demographics, or recommendation letters. Instead, a computer program selects winners at random. AFSA uses an April 1 and September 1 application deadline and announces winners shortly after.
Amount: $1,000-$2,000
Who Can Apply: Arizona high school seniors planning to attend college in the fall can apply to the C.A.T.S. Tall Club Scholarship Program. The scholarship restricts applicants to men at least 6’2″ and women at least 5’10” in height. Application materials include an essay, two recommendation letters, and a photograph submitted by the March 1 deadline.
Amount: $250
Who Can Apply: The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest awards funding to high school seniors talented in duck calling. The annual competition takes place at the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Scholarship recipients may use the award to pay for tuition or education-related expenses at any U.S. institution.
Amount: $500-$2,000
Who Can Apply: High school and college students with a talent for greeting card design and writing apply to this competitive scholarship. A public vote determines finalists before the scholarship committee reviews the remaining submissions’ aesthetics, quality, and creativity. The scholarship uses a March application deadline and announces the recipient in early May.
Amount: $10,000
Who Can Apply: Debt.com rewards degree-seekers who apply for multiple scholarships for college with this unique opportunity. Required materials include other scholarships’ application confirmation emails and a 500-word essay. Applicants with more confirmation emails possess an advantage during consideration. Debt.com accepts applications six times annually and announces recipients 10 days after an application window closes.
Amount: $500
Who Can Apply: The DutchCrafters Amish Furniture Scholarship recognizes high school seniors and college students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Other application requirements include submitting the FAFSA, and U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Learners whose parent or spouse works for JMX Brands do not qualify. Students apply March 1 – May 1.
Amount: $500
Who Can Apply: Foreclosure.com supports the next generation of real estate professionals with this annual scholarship. Applicants submit an 800- to 2,500-word essay on the COVID-19 pandemic’s short- and long-term impact on the U.S. housing market. Enrolled college students must apply by December 15 and may major in any academic subject.
Amount: $500-$2,500
Who Can Apply: College students with a passion for Magic: The Gathering apply to the Gamers Helping Gamers Scholarship. Application requirements include FAFSA results, official transcripts, a personal statement, and an essay detailing applicants’ interest in the game. The scholarship uses a March 31 application deadline and does not renew.
Amount: $5,000
Who Can Apply: Unlike other scholarships for college, this scholarship asks prospective and current college students to create a humorous safe driving advertisement. Acceptable advertisements may include a commercial, poster, or mock radio ad. The scholarship committee does not consider applicants’ GPA or financial need and accepts applications until December 31.
Amount: $1,500
Applying for unusual scholarships starts with researching the latest college scholarships and determining how they affect eligibility for other financial aid programs. The following sections describe just a few ways learners obtain scholarships for college.
Thomas Broderick is a freelance writer and the owner of Broderick Writer LLC. He creates study guides, informational websites, and blog posts for clients in the education field. Thomas is also a published author of over 20 short stories and a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.
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