Guide to College Scholarships

There’s no doubt that college is expensive, and it’s getting more so with each year that goes by. That’s why more and more students are relying on college scholarships to help them pay their expenses. With millions of dollars in aid available to students from all walks of life, with a little legwork, you’re sure to find some form of aid.

There are several different types of college scholarships that are offered. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common:

Athletic College Scholarships: If you excel in a sport like football, soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, golf, or even curling (yes, curling!) then you might be able to get an athletic college scholarship from the school itself. Since sports drive so much recognition (and money) to universities, they pay big to draw the finest athletes. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that athletic college scholarships are extremely competitive and the application process very intense. You don’t just have to write an essay for this college scholarship!
Academic College Scholarships: For those of you who are less sporty and more brainy, then you’ll want to try applying for an academic scholarship from the school you’d like to attend. These college scholarships can also be included in your financial aid package without you even having to go through a lengthy application process. Check with your school’s financial aid office to find out what their policy is regarding academic college scholarships.
Department College Scholarships: These college scholarships are offered through the school you’re attending, but are from each academic department individually. For instance, if you’re planning on majoring in psychology then that department might offer college scholarships only for psych majors. You’ll have to check with your each department to see if they offer one.
Corporate or Individual College Scholarships: These college scholarships are offered through private parties and have nothing to do with the university you’ll be attending. Private college scholarships can be broken down into several categories:

Corporate College Scholarships: Consider corporate college scholarships the untouched pot of gold. They’re often overlooked by applicants, and many never get awarded simply because there are no applicants. This is college money that’s just waiting to be snatched up, so definitely don’t pass this option up. Searching online through a scholarship database is the best way to find these college scholarships.
Religious College Scholarships: Many religions offer scholarships; this is another often “untapped” resource that students don’t think about. If you’re involved with your local church, synagogue, or mosque, then see if they offer any kind of college scholarship.
Union College Scholarships: Believe it or not, but your local UAW might have tons of money waiting for you. If you, or one of your family members are part of a union (any type, not just the UAW) then you might be able to get a lot of help from them.
Chamber of Commerce Scholarships: Surprised? Most people are when they find out their local chamber might offer college scholarships to those going into business or public service. Check with your local branch to see if they do.

Are there more college scholarships than this? You bet there are. We’ll say it again: there are billions of dollars available for students to go to school. All you have to do is put in the time and effort to go and get it!

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information