When it comes to paying for college, scholarships are one of the best ways to do it. But if you’re asking yourself, “What scholarships can I apply for?” The availability of numerous options might surprise you.

Here are some of widely available scholarships you may consider to help you pay for your education and avoid loans.

1. Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are one of the most popular types of scholarships. They are awarded to students based on their academic achievement.

Academic scholarships can be a great way to pay for college, but it’s important to remember that they are competitive. Be sure to start your search early, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive a scholarship right away. There are many scholarships out there, and with a little effort, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you.

2. Identity-Based Scholarships

Identity-based scholarships are scholarships awarded to students based on their membership in a particular group. These scholarships can be based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other identity group.

There are many reasons why identity-based scholarships exist. Some of these scholarships are designed to promote diversity in higher education, while others help members of underrepresented groups pay for college. Regardless of the reason, these scholarships can be a great way to help pay for college.

If you are interested in finding identity-based scholarships, a good place to start is with your local community foundation or college financial aid office. These offices can help you find scholarships that are specifically designed for members of your group.

3. Athletic Scholarships

Athletic scholarships are one of the most popular types of scholarships out there. They are awarded to students based on their athletic ability and can be used to cover the cost of tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses.

There are a few types of athletic scholarships, including full, partial, and walk-on scholarships. Full scholarships cover the total cost of attendance, while partial scholarships cover only a portion of the costs. Walk-on scholarships are awarded to students who are not on the athletic team but still wish to participate in sports.

4. Government Scholarships

The federal government offers a number of scholarships and grants to help students pay for college. These include the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.

Once you have identified a few programs you may be eligible for, the next step is contacting the program administrators to learn more about the application process. Each program has different eligibility requirements and deadlines, so it is important to get all the information you need before you begin the application process.

5. First Generation Scholarships

First-generation college students have always been a topic of great importance. As the first in their families to attend college, these students often face unique challenges and obstacles. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on supporting first-generation college students. A number of organizations and foundations have established first-generation scholarships to help these students succeed.

The First Generation Scholarship Program at the University of California, Berkeley is one example of a first-generation scholarship program. This program provides scholarships to first-generation college students who demonstrate financial need. The scholarships are worth up to $4,000 per year and can be used to cover the cost of tuition, books, and other expenses.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is another example of a first-generation scholarship program. This program provides scholarships to low-income, minority students who demonstrate academic excellence.

There are many scholarships out there that you can apply for, depending on your qualifications and interests. Do your research to find the right scholarship for you, and don’t be afraid to apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of receiving financial aid for college.

Have you decided to look for scholarship opportunities to help you with college? Make sure you do things right by checking Go Degree’s guide on how to apply for an online degree for architecture among other courses you wish to pursue to kickstart your career.