Should I Apply for Scholarships and Grants?

Going to college is expensive, and looking into financial aid options can be confusing. You may have thought about taking out a student loan as one way to finance your education, but this option can saddle you with debt long after you’ve graduated.  The best place to start is by investigating scholarships and grants. These are gifts of free money to help defray your college costs, and you should definitely take advantage of both!

The terms “scholarship” and “grant” are often used interchangeably, but there are usually differences between these two forms of aid. Most scholarships are merit-based, i.e., they’re awarded to students with certain qualities, such as proven academic or athletic ability. Many scholarships also have rules — maintaining a certain GPA, for example — that you have to follow in order to continue receiving aid. Most grants are need-based, which means they're usually awarded based on you or your family’s financial situation.

Scholarships, like people, come in all shapes and sizes You don’t need to be a star athlete or the class valedictorian --- both private and public institutions are eager to contribute to your education based on religious affiliation, coming from a military family, residency in a certain state (including our program, Catch a Break Scholarship) or many more specific attributes. 

Grants, which are administered based on family income, typically come from the state government, federal government, non-profit organizations, and schools. The Pell Grant is a well-known federal grant program. State-funded grants ordinarily go to students pursuing an education in that state.

The essential start to apply for both grants and scholarships is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which becomes available online every fall.

If you’re considering college in Minnesota, Catch A Break! is a scholarship program designed to help exceptional students graduate debt-free. Our program is open to students within the state of Minnesota who will be attending a public college in the state. We value smart, driven students who have faced significant challenges and demonstrate financial need. Our program offers up to $11,000 per year and is renewable for up to four years. Learn more by visiting our website.

About Catch A Break!

At Catch a Break!® we believe in the value of a college experience and the rewards of a hard-earned degree. The knowledge and abilities you gain in college can open new doors and change the course of your life. We are a testament to that fact; we’ve caught so many breaks in our lives that have helped us make a difference in the world, and we want to find deserving scholars who will catch their break and use it to make a difference of their own.

Catch a Break!® is proud to support financial awards and our scholarship program so we may choose the best students and potential talent. We select scholars each year and provide them up to $11,000 per year up to four years. Our goal is to help you graduate from college debt-free. Learn more and apply for our scholarship by visiting our website.