Many students believe that scholarship opportunities only exist before they begin their first semester of college. They assume that if they missed out during the admissions process, it’s too late to secure financial aid. Fortunately, this is not true. Even after you’ve started your classes, there are still numerous scholarships and funding opportunities available for continuing students.
Whether you are a freshman who just began college or a sophomore or junior looking to reduce tuition costs, there are ways to apply for scholarships mid-degree. This article explains practical steps, strategies, and resources to help you get a scholarship after college has already started.
1. Check With Your College’s Financial Aid Office
Your school’s financial aid office should be your first stop. Many institutions set aside funding specifically for current students who demonstrate academic merit or financial need after enrollment.
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Merit-Based Awards: Some scholarships are awarded after students prove themselves academically in their first semester or year. If your GPA is strong, you may qualify.
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Departmental Scholarships: Colleges often distribute awards through academic departments, especially for majors like engineering, business, or the arts.
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Emergency Grants: Unexpected hardships such as job loss or family financial difficulties may make you eligible for additional funding.
Always schedule an appointment with your financial aid office early in the semester, as funds are often limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Explore Scholarships for Continuing Students
Many organizations specifically design scholarships for students who are already enrolled in college. These awards encourage persistence and reward students who demonstrate commitment to completing their degree.
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Examples: The Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholarships for transfer students, and awards through professional associations like the American Marketing Association or IEEE.
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Eligibility: Often based on GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership, or a demonstrated career interest.
By targeting scholarships aimed at continuing students, you avoid competing with incoming freshmen and may find opportunities better suited to your stage of education.
3. Apply for Department-Specific Scholarships
Once you have declared a major, your department becomes a key resource for funding. Academic departments frequently award scholarships funded by alumni donations, corporate sponsorships, or research programs.
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STEM Fields: Often receive substantial corporate funding. Tech companies, for example, may sponsor scholarships for computer science students.
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Arts and Humanities: Departments may offer performance-based or portfolio-based scholarships.
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Business and Economics: Professional associations often collaborate with schools to provide merit-based funding.
Ask professors or department administrators about any awards available. Sometimes these scholarships are less competitive because they are limited to students within the department.
4. Consider Community and Local Scholarships
Even after you’ve started college, you can apply for local scholarships offered by community organizations, nonprofits, or businesses. These groups often support students from their region regardless of when they begin applying.
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Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and Chambers of Commerce frequently provide scholarships.
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Local foundations and banks may offer awards to students pursuing certain fields of study.
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Churches and cultural organizations sometimes give financial aid to members attending college.
These scholarships may not always cover large amounts, but multiple small awards can add up significantly.
5. Look for Scholarships with Rolling Deadlines
Unlike annual scholarships tied to admissions cycles, some programs accept applications year-round. These rolling scholarships are ideal for students who have already started college.
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Examples: Bold.org monthly awards, College Board’s BigFuture Scholarships, and private foundation scholarships.
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Advantage: Flexibility in timing allows you to apply mid-semester or between academic years.
Rolling deadlines also mean you can apply multiple times, giving you repeated chances to win.
6. Reapply or Update FAFSA and Other Aid Forms
If your financial situation has changed since you first enrolled, updating your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can make a difference. Colleges often reassess aid packages mid-year if new information is provided.
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Life Changes That Matter: Job loss, medical expenses, or other financial hardships.
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Institutional Aid Adjustments: Schools may increase grants or scholarships based on updated need.
By staying proactive, you may secure new funding that wasn’t initially available at the time of enrollment.
7. Demonstrate Strong Academic Performance
Even if you didn’t qualify for scholarships before starting college, your performance now can open doors. Many scholarships for continuing students are merit-based and require a minimum GPA.
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Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to maximize opportunities.
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Join honor societies or academic clubs to boost your profile.
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Ask professors for recommendation letters based on your classroom performance.
Scholarship committees often look for consistent effort and demonstrated growth in enrolled students.
8. Pursue Scholarships Based on Identity, Interests, or Career Goals
Many scholarships target specific groups, and being enrolled in college does not disqualify you. If you belong to an underrepresented group or have unique career interests, you may qualify.
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Identity-Based: Scholarships for women in STEM, first-generation students, or minority groups.
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Career-Based: Scholarships tied to fields like nursing, education, or cybersecurity.
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Special Interests: Awards for athletes, musicians, or students engaged in community service.
These niche opportunities often have fewer applicants, increasing your chances of success.
9. Search Online Databases and Scholarship Platforms
Technology makes it easier than ever to find mid-college scholarships. Use platforms like:
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Fastweb
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Scholarships.com
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Cappex
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Chegg Scholarships
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Bold.org
Many of these allow you to filter results for continuing students or scholarships with upcoming deadlines. Set reminders to avoid missing last-minute opportunities.
10. Don’t Overlook Employer and Professional Organization Scholarships
If you work part-time while attending college, check if your employer offers tuition assistance or scholarships. Many companies, even retail chains and restaurants, provide financial support to employees pursuing higher education.
Additionally, professional associations tied to your major or career interest frequently sponsor scholarships for members or student chapters. Joining one of these organizations can pay off both financially and professionally.
Conclusion
Getting a scholarship after college has started may seem challenging, but it’s far from impossible. Opportunities exist for students who remain proactive, whether through their college, local community, private organizations, or online platforms. By maintaining strong academic performance, exploring niche scholarships, and staying persistent, you can secure funding that reduces financial stress and supports your long-term academic journey.
Remember: it’s never too late to apply. Each semester brings new opportunities, and with the right strategy, you can continue to earn scholarships throughout your entire college career.