Where can I find scholarship opportunities?

As you progress through high school, you've probably started thinking more deeply about the prospect of attending college - in particular, how you're going to afford rising tuition costs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition at a four-year college was nearly $33,000 during the 2009-2010 school year. Here are some tips on places to search for scholarship opportunities to make college more affordable.

Colleges
This might seem obvious, but many schools offer competitive scholarships and financial aid grants in order to attract students. While you might not be able to apply for all of them outright, check your future acceptance letters for information about which, if any, scholarships you qualify for.

Parents' employers
If either or both of your parents work for a large company or business, you might be eligible for scholarships as an employee's child. Ask your parents to investigate any potential financial aid programs available to learn how you can apply.

Scholarship sites
Along with colleges and parents' employers, there are numerous scholarships available from private organizations that are awarded every year. Often, you'll have to submit an application in the form of an essay or creative project, so apply to a handful of these scholarships to increase your chances of being selected.

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