Top Scholarships for Low-Income Students – A Pathway to Higher Education

What are Scholarships?

Scholarships are grants intended to assist students with their high school, undergraduate, or graduate education costs. A scholarship may occasionally come with a one-time payout. Some scholarships offer money to students every semester or academic year and are renewable. Students from low-income homes have a great opportunity to climb the socioeconomic ladder by attending college. As a result, there is an increase in the number of pupils from low-income households attending schools. However, federal financial aid has not increased to keep up with the escalating expense of higher education for these kids.

Scholarships, especially those for low-income students, are one method that students can make up the difference between the amount of financial aid they are eligible for and the cost of attending college. This blog, ideated and written by the experts at AllAssignmentHelp is intended to assist in finding top scholarships for low-income students and ways to get one.

If you are among those thinking where to apply for scholarships for low income students, – this is the blog you need to take a look at. Upon investing 10 to 12 minutes reading this piece, you will be able to get all the needed information to get ideas related to best scholarships for low income students.

From Where You Can Get Scholarships?

Clubs, groups, charities, foundations, corporations, educational institutions, the government, and private citizens are some of the many entities that provide scholarships.

The following categories of scholarships are possible:

Based on merit

Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on your extracurricular or academic achievements, such as community service, athletic or creative successes, test scores, or excellent grades. These awards recognize and promote excellence and typically include requirements that students must fulfill to be eligible.

Based on the financial requirement

Scholarships provided based on your financial need are known as need-based scholarships. Consequently, the eligibility decision takes into account several factors, including your family’s income, assets, and other conditions that can affect your capacity to pay for college.

You may even be able to combine the two, which will allow you to further your education without having to take on a large debt. Certain scholarships may include both need- and merit-based components, taking into account your financial circumstances and academic standing. To find out if you are qualified to apply, it is essential to study the precise requirements for each scholarship you are considering.

But most importantly, to be able to attain such a scholarship for continuing your higher studies, you need to clear your semesters with exceptionally good grades. Unfortunately, for many low-income students handling the academic pressure can be too high often. For this, they fail to secure top grades even after giving their best. If you are also facing issues especially while managing your assignments, get college assignment help from experts at any time! This way, you will easily be able to handle the pressure and your chances to get a scholarship will always be there.

Read more: Common Problems Faced By College Freshman

How Low-Income Students Can Secure the Most Scholarship Money?

Thinking how to find scholarships for low income students? Continue reading!

Instead of focusing on financial necessity, merit aid compensates students for their extracurricular or academic accomplishments. This is a fantastic chance to get some extra cash for education! Students tend to concentrate their scholarship search efforts on external organizations; however, institutions have significantly more funding at their disposal, so students should also focus their efforts there.

Here are some pointers to help you get college merit aid:

• Be an early bird! A student can apply for more scholarships and is less likely to miss deadlines if they start early, whether it’s for an external organization or a school scholarship.
• Don’t base your college choices on the course pricing: often, the most substantial merit aid awards come from expensive private universities.
• Apply to universities where your record is particularly impressive or if you have a skill or attribute that they are looking for.

Applying to universities that provide free tuition to students from low-income families is another excellent tactic for students trying to save on college expenses. Many universities cover all of a student’s proven financial need, some even managing to do so without the need for student loans.

To reiterate, to avail scholarship to carry on your higher studies, you need no option other than excelling in your academics in school level or bachelor’s level. But often regular exams and classes may pose a challenge in doing so. In such a situation, instead of thinking, Can I hire someone to take my online exam for me or is there anyone to do my online course for me, just Google using the same question and it will do a miracle! You can get numerous companies offering online classes and exam services (applicable for those pursuing an online bachelor’s degree or schooling)

Top Scholarship Programs for Low-Income Students based in the USA

There are various scholarships offered by schools, colleges, and universities across the USA offering the opportunity to low-income academics.

Let’s take a quick look at the top 10 such scholarships below:

Davis-Putter Scholarship

Amount: Up to $15,000

Eligibility:

• Enrolled at a college or university or in a trade or technical program
• Active and emerging organizers in progressive movements for liberation, self-determination, and social and economic justice in their communities
• Demonstrated financial need
• Strong preference is given to those who plan to stay in the U.S. to work on such issues after completing their degrees

Application Requirements:

• 1,000-word personal statement or maximum four-minute video or audio statement
• Transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
• Student Aid Report (SAR) and/or Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)

Scholarships from Davis-Putter are awarded to students who actively participate in social and economic justice movements based on their needs. Although there is a $15,000 maximum grant, the scholarship value is based on the applicant’s financial need and the amount of cash available.

Gates Scholarship

Amount: 100% of costs not covered by financial aid and family contribution

Eligibility:

• High school senior
• African American, Asian & Pacific Islander American, Hispanic American, and/or American Indian/Alaska Native (proof of tribal enrolment required)
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Pell Grant eligible
• Minimum 3.3 GPA
• Planning to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program

Application Requirements:

• In the top 10% of their graduating class
• Demonstrated leadership through extracurricular activities like community service and volunteering
• Possesses characteristics such as emotional maturity, motivation, and perseverance

The very competitive Gates Scholarship is given to deserving minority high school students from low-income families. All of the expected family contribution as well as any college costs not covered by financial aid are funded by this kind scholarship scheme.

Hagan Scholarship

Amount: $60,000

Eligibility:

• Citizen of the U.S.
• Planning to enroll at an eligible four-year college or university
• Work 240 hours annually
• Gross household income less than $85,000

Application Requirements:

• Minimum 3.75 GPA
• FAFSA SAR showing EFC

The Hagan Scholarship is given out based on need as well as merit. Its goal is to enable participants to complete a four-year college degree and leave without incurring any debt. This program offers workshops, investment account management services, and free study abroad in addition to scholarship money, allowing beneficiaries to acquire important life skills that are typically not taught in college curricula.

Horatio Alger National Scholarship

Amount: $25,000

Eligibility:

• High school junior
• Commitment to pursuing a bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrate a critical financial need ($55,00 or lower adjusted gross family income)
• Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
• Demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• citizen of USA

Application Requirements:

• Support from someone over 21 years old who is familiar with the challenges the applicant has faced
• Proof of citizenship
• Financial information

Famous author Horatio Alger, Jr. gained recognition for his stories about young boys who, via dedication and hard effort, overcome poverty—a theme inspired by his own life experiences. The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program, which honors the spirit of Alger’s life by awarding $25,000 national scholarships to hundred and five individuals each year. It has grown to become one of the largest need-based college scholarship programs in the USA. 

Ron Brown Scholarship

 Amount: $40,000

Eligibility:

• High school senior
• Black/African American
• Exceptional academics
• Excellent leadership
• Participate in community service
• Demonstrate financial need
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident

 Application Requirements:

• Transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
• Two 500-word essays

The Ron Brown Scholarship pays tribute to its namesake by offering financial assistance to African American students who are financially disadvantaged, academically bright, and have a strong sense of community. High school seniors who are interested in the four pillars of Ronald Brown’s goal to uplift people of all races, cultures, and ethnicities—public service, community participation, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship—are eligible to apply for this very selective fellowship.

QuestBridge College Match Scholarship

Amount: Over $200,000

Eligibility:

• High school senior
• Planning to enroll in college
• Ranked in the top 5-10% of the graduating class
• Primarily A’s in challenging classes such as AP, IB, or honors
• SAT scores better than 1260
• ACT composite scores above 27
• Demonstration of strong writing ability, intellectual spark, and determination
• Finalists typically are from households earning less than $65,000/year for a family of four

Application Requirements:

• Two essays and short answers
• Two teacher recommendations
• School Report from current high school counselor
• High school transcript
• School Profile (optional, but recommended)

The QuestBridge National College Match award is a significant award available to low-income students. This grant, which covers the entire cost of college—including tuition, lodging and board, books, supplies, and travel—is given in collaboration with some of the most prominent universities in the nation by QuestBridge. The scholarship may involve student contributions through work-study, summer employment, or student savings; however, it does not need parental contribution or student debt.

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $55,000 annually

Eligibility:

• High school senior
• Enrolling in a four-year college
• Demonstrated financial need (applicants with a family annual gross income up to $95,000 are considered)

Application Requirements: Minimum 3.5 GPA

The goal of this scholarship program is to enable deserving students who are struggling financially to enroll in and thrive at some of the most esteemed universities in the country. A significant portion of a student’s educational costs, such as tuition, accommodation and board, food, books, and fees, are covered by these kinds of grants.

Personalized college advising and programs that assist with the transition from high school to college are also given to recipients.

Dell Scholars

Amount: $20,000

Eligibility:

• Pell Grant eligible
• Participate in and complete a program-approved college readiness program in grades 11 and 12
• Plan to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program
• Demonstrated financial need

Application Requirements: Minimum 2.4 GPA

The Dell Scholars Program provides a support system for the challenges students face while pursuing a college degree.

In addition to monetary support, Dell Scholars also receives: 

• A laptop with a four-year warranty
• $500 worth of Chegg credits annually for textbook purchases or rentals
• Access to the Scholars Resource Network, which connects students and their families with resources for managing stress, debt, child care, and life circumstances
• Teletherapy sessions connecting students to professional counselors

Students from low-income homes who are extremely driven to succeed are known as Dell Scholars. The “GPA” of ideal individuals is unique and reflects their potential, ambition, and grit.

Dream US National Scholarship for High School Students

Amount: Up to $33,000

Eligibility:

• Be or about to be a high school graduate, have or about to earn a GED, or be or about to be enrolled at a community college or university
• Undocumented and came to the United States before November 1, 2017, and have continuously lived in the United States since then or have DACA or TPS status
• Came to the U.S. before age 16 (not eligible if you were born in the U.S.)
• Have significant unmet financial need

Application Requirements: Minimum 2.5 GPA

Dream US National Scholarship for high school students is comparable to the Pell Grant. Students having high academic achievements and motivation but significant financial need can seek this scholarship program. It is available to students who meet the requirements for in-state tuition at a partner college; prizes for associate’s degree holders can reach up to $16,500, while bachelor’s degree holders can get up to $33,000.

Awards are given based on several criteria, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, dedication to community service, and the capacity to get past obstacles that undocumented students must overcome.

Engebretson Foundation Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Eligibility:

• High school senior
• Enrolling in a four-year college
• In need of financial assistance to attend college

Application Requirements:

• Scored 1240 or higher on the SAT or a 28 composite score or higher on the ACT
• Minimum 3.75 GPA and/or in the top 5% of graduating class
• Transcript
• Resume
• Teacher recommendation
• Two essays
• Student Aid Report (SAR)

One high school senior who is graduating is aided with a $5,000 scholarship each semester by the Engebretson Foundation. Recipients with outstanding academic ability and financial need are eligible for it.

The above-mentioned were some of the notable and popular scholarship programs offered by various organizations to students in financial need. If you wish to take a chance to avail any of these, you need to be aware of the application time regularly. Along with these, certain free college scholarships for low income students can look for on the internet and benefit from it.

Just by typing Do my assignment for me, you can get assignment-related assistance from top service providers available on the internet 24*7. These services work closely with students helping them manage their academic work and get rid of the excess study load. This way, students get more time to focus on specific chores that help them gather better marks and eventually qualify getting any of the scholarships.

Read more: Assignment Help For University

Conclusion

Scholarships are a big support to get educational support mainly for ones who have high ambition but lack financial aid. Several companies, businessmen, trusts, and groups across the USA, UK, and other countries have come up with these scholarship programs to make sure that the educational journey of such individuals does not stop anyway and that they get the best scope. It is also a must for students to get the opportunity to show their enthusiasm toward learning and have an excellent educational record.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How to study abroad for free? Answer: To be able to pursue higher studies, you can apply for grants and scholarships.

Question 2: Can a poor student study abroad? Answer: Certainly, you can! Nothing can stop you if you can prove yourself. You can always apply for some of the best international merit-based scholarships.

Question 3: Will I get a job if I study abroad? Answer: If you’re wondering if you can work while studying abroad, the answer is yes! It all depends on the country you’re going to, and the opportunities that you may get. There are numerous part-time job opportunities available for international students while studying abroad.