Education is very important for everyone and the cost of higher education make a big hole in the pocket of student who are facing financial issues. While considering higher education students always think of the four-year courses. Along with this, there are various other paths available that provide meaningful life to the students like community colleges. Students can start their bachelor’s degree with community colleges as they offer 2-year programs instead of 4 years. Some scholarship programs are also available for community colleges to help students. To help you understand, we will discuss institutions that offer community college scholarships, grants, and scholarships for transfer students. So let’s begin with the meaning of community college in the United States.

What is Community College?

Community colleges are the colleges that offer 2-year courses for the students to start their graduation instead of offering 4-year courses. The major courses that are available in community colleges are Associate of Arts and Associate of Science. Most of their courses have close links to high school programs, community groups, etc. They also have technical and vocational programs for those who have a great interest in them. After completion of the 2-year program, students are eligible for practical training which add-up to their resume and gives them good opportunities in the future.

Can you get Scholarships for Community College?

Yes, you can get scholarships for community college as there are various scholarships and grants program available to help students who have done their graduation from high school senior and concerned about the cost of college. Scholarships for community colleges are available because the cost of these colleges varies according to the location and it is as high as $25,000. The scholarships are offered in three domains in community colleges such as community college scholarships, grants for community colleges, and scholarships for transfer students.

Institutions that offer Community College Scholarships

According to the data, there are around 50% of students are unable to cover their costs while in school but these community college scholarships and grants help them in reducing the financial burden with money for books, tuition, etc. So, the list of some institutions is given below.

Dewalt Trades Scholarship: It applies to those students who pursuing their degree in the field of construction, technology, and mechanics at a two-year college. The scholarship amount received by students is up to $10,000 and the deadline for application is in December.
Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship: This scholarship is eligible only for Phi Theta Kappa members and while applying, students must have to take part in associate programs as it increases the chance of getting selected. In this, there are around 25 scholarships set aside for the military and military veterans. The application deadline is in May every year and the amount of the scholarship is $1,000.
The Dream Award Scholarship: Students who have completed their one-year college, trade, or technical school are eligible for this. One more thing is that students should be residents of the United States. The scholarship amount is awarded from $5,000 to $15,000. The deadline for the application is in August.
Future of School Scholarship Program: Students from high school seniors who have completed at least 5 online courses are eligible for this scholarship. The amount awarded to eligible candidates is up to $10,000 and the deadline is in December.
National Board Scholarship: It is an American Association for Women and women who are attending any community college in the United States are eligible for this scholarship. Students who have attended community college in the past three years and now want scholarships for four-year course institutions are considered eligible. The scholarship amount is $500 and the deadline for application is in May.

Institutions that offer Community College Scholarships for Transfer Students

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship: Students who score a minimum of 3.5 GPA in their graduation and the gross income of their parents do not exceed the limit of $95,000 per year are eligible for his scholarship. Students receive up to $55,000 each year and the application deadline is in October.
AICPA Foundation Two-Year Scholarship: Students who are planning to pursue their degree in the major of accounting are considered eligible and also who attended a two-year college and are ready to transfer to a four-year college. The scholarship money that is awarded in this scholarship is $5,000 and the deadline is in March for the application of the scholarship.
Darrel Hess Geography Scholarship: Students who apply for 2-year educational institutions in the United States whether it is a community college or another are eligible for this scholarship. Students who are planning to transfer to a 4-year college program in the major of geography are also considered eligible. The eligible candidate receives $1,500 and the deadline for application is in December.

Institutions that offer Grants for Community College Students

Frances Perkins Program: Students have to earn 40-64 college-level certificates before transferring to a 4-year college program and are eligible for this scholarship. Students who are the age of 25 or older and students who are under 25 but a parent or veteran are also considered eligible. The scholarship amount is not fixed and varies according to the situation. Students can apply for this till November.
State University Grant Program: Students who fill out the application form at FAFSA and meet the requirements regarding income and academics are eligible for this grant. The scholarship amount is not fixed and the deadline for application is in March.

Therefore, these are the major scholarships and grants that are available for the community colleges and students can apply according to their preferences.

Challenges Faced by Community College Students

The challenges faced by community college students are as follows.

Students face problems related to finances as they are unable to pay for their tuition, books, and living expenses.
Students do not have proper time to study if they work to deal with their financial expenses by doing a part-time job.
Some students are unable to bear the responsibilities of college with work and their personal lives.

Conclusion

Students will get various options for community college scholarships that help them in funding their college expenses. Getting a full-ride scholarship in community college is a little difficult because Federal brands and work studies scholarships are available to help students. Students can fill out the application form at FAFSA and get various opportunities for State, Federal, and Institutional help because most of the institutions are in link with FAFSA. FAFSA application help providers in evaluating about candidates with ease. So, students have to fulfill the list of criteria to get community college scholarships and grants.