Scholarships

Scholarship FAQs

What is the difference between financial aid and a scholarship?

Financial aid refers to funding given to eligible students to help them cover the cost of tuition and books, as well as other education related expenses. This assistance comes in the form of grants, waivers, work study, or loans. In order to receive financial aid, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is also an application for state and institutional grants. Financial aid is awarded based on a student's financial need, which is determined by FAFSA. Students must complete a FAFSA every year to be considered for financial aid.

A scholarship, however, may be awarded based on a range of criteria which usually reflects the views or purposes of the donor providing the award. There are two main types of scholarships: need based and non-need based. Need based scholarships are much like grants because they consider a student's financial situation. Non-need based (or merit based) scholarships are awarded based on other factors such as: academic achievement, area of study, artistic talent, athletics, affiliations, and backgrounds. The largest scholarships are almost always merit-based.

Where can I find national scholarship information?

There are numerous scholarship search engines on the internet that can help you find scholarships from all over the country. This method can be more time consuming, but it will help you find many more opportunities. Often, it's just an initial investment of time. Once you have set up accounts on some of the websites, you can usually receive automatic updates for scholarships that fit your profile.

Most of the scholarship search engines will ask you to set up a profile or account with them, so they can email you new scholarship opportunities as they are available. There will usually be no cost to set up these accounts or profiles. If there are costs, you should be suspicious of a scholarship scam. You should also consider setting up a separate email account through your ISP just for scholarships since your email address will mostly likely be sold to numerous marketing firms; this will help keep your real email account free from unwanted spam. Free email accounts can be obtained from Google, Yahoo!, MSN Hotmail, HushMail, and others.

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Where do I apply for scholarships?

Unfortunately, there is not just one easy place to look for scholarships. You have to get involved and often creative to find many of the scholarships out there. Start by thinking about your life and all of the people you know, organizations/ clubs that you belong to, and what your interests are and then start your search in those areas. Some typical places to look are:

  • The Financial Aid Office maintains two scholarship boards outside of their office
  • The Advising Center may know of some academic scholarships
  • Your teachers may be aware of scholarships in your field of study
  • Academic departments
  • Phi Theta Kappa members have access to many scholarships
  • Online scholarship databases
  • Your bank or credit union may offer scholarships to its members
  • Your employer (or your parents/ spouses employer)
  • Many service or non-profit organizations that you or your family is affiliated with may offer scholarships
Do I have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

It is a good idea to complete the FAFSA because many scholarships will require it. It is a tool that many scholarship donors use to determine an applicants financial need. You may make yourself ineligible for some scholarships if you do not have this application complete. The FAFSA becomes available at the beginning of January every year for the following academic year that starts in September. North Seattle Community Colleges priority deadline is the last day in April each year. Be sure to check with each scholarship in case they have an earlier deadline. The FAFSA application can be picked up in the Financial Aid Office or completed online at the FAFSA website.

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What happens to my financial aid when I get a scholarship?

When you are awarded a scholarship it will become part of your financial aid package. The organization will inform you and usually your school's financial aid office too. The Financial Aid Office will add the award to your financial aid package and apply the money to any outstanding bills with the college. A check will be cut if there are scholarship funds remaining.

Depending on how many scholarships you are awarded and the amounts, it may impact your financial aid award. Generally speaking, your awards cannot exceed your unmet need for any quarter. A student's unmet need is determined by subtracting the Estimated Family Contribution (obtained from FAFSA) from the school's Cost of Attendance. If your scholarship awards exceed your unmet need then it may reduce or eliminate student loans, work study, or other funding. However, the Pell Grant will never be reduced.

Every student's financial situation is a little bit different, which results in individualized awards. You should always work closely with the Financial Aid Office to determine exactly how each scholarship will affect your financial aid package.

Do I need a high GPA in order to get a scholarship?

Not necessarily. There are merit based scholarships with GPA requirements, but there are also many scholarships available that do not require a high GPA. However, most scholarships will require a 2.0 minimum GPA (that's a C average). This type of non-merit based scholarship will focus more on your achievements, activities, sports, or financial need.

What do I do if I've already been awarded a scholarship?

Students need to notify the college if they are receiving a scholarship from a private donor. Please send the check and a copy of the award letter (including the student's social security number or student ID number) to:

North Seattle Community College
Attention: Scholarship Coordinator
Financial Aid Office
9600 College Way N
Seattle, WA 98103

Scholarships are divided evenly over the year unless otherwise specified by the donor. Exceptions can be made by donor in writing. All scholarships are considered part of a student's financial aid package and will be applied toward any outstanding bills before any funds will be disbursed.

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