With a total income of no more than $40,000 a year, it breaks the heart of every low-income parents not to have enough money to send their kids to college. Although everybody dreams of a white-collar job, this remains only a dream but not an option for most students, especially for those who only finished high school. It is sad to know that other low-income students have long given up their hopes for a college education. It is more heartrending to see them resign from their fate and the opportunity to seek other education options.

Nowadays, it is a good thing that even low-income earners have been given the chances of earning their college degrees through the help of private and public institutions. Federal agencies and private organizations are more than willing to provide incoming and current college students with additional financial support to help pay expenses like tuition, board and lodging, and other miscellaneous school fees. People who are interested in qualifying for low-income scholarships
must visit and inquire at institutions which offer these grants.

Where to Search for a Low-Income Scholarship

You may be one of the many aspiring college students who may be disappointed to find out that they are either at the bottom list or won't even stand a chance to benefit from a scholarship. However, this is no excuse to limit your options and hurt your chances. Everybody suffers from rejection mostly on their first try. So instead of seeing it as a hurdle to a more rewarding future, what you need to do is to prepare for a dozen other applications:

 Find a list of scholarship grants at schools or public libraries.
 Ask your advisor or counselor for referrals.
 Do your own research through the Internet.
 Search within your local community.
 Get in touch with government agencies.

Scholarship for Low-Income Students

There are myriad private and public organizations that offer financial assistance and full-time scholarship grants. Here are some institutions to help you narrow down your search:

Government Agencies

You may inquire at the U.S. Department of Education for federal grants and scholarship programs for low-income students. The city government and other public agencies may approve your request for a college fund. However, a more popular option is through the Federal Pell Grant Program. This is open for vocational and undergraduate studies on accredited schools and universities. In order to qualify, you have to establish your need for financial assistance, while the amount of awards may range from $400 to as much as $4,000.

Colleges and Universities

Both community colleges and state universities have their own scholarship programs for low-income students. However, the amount of award and process of application may vary for each program. For further inquiry, you may file a letter of request at the student's affairs department or even ask for a referral from any member of the faculty.

Meanwhile, you may also submit an application at the Oregon State University for additional funds aside from the Pell Grant. Work-study programs are also available in other universities to help you afford other educational costs. The Arizona College Scholarship Foundation is also a good source of college fund, while other prestigious schools such as the Stanford University also has opened its doors for low-income students through financial aid programs for undergraduate studies.

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations such as the National Medical Fellowships and the American Bar Association also sponsor their own scholarship programs. In able to qualify, candidates should come from low-income families to establish their financial need. Aside from this, students should also prove themselves worthy of the scholarship grant through academic excellence. Medical students can receive as little as $500 to as much as $10,000 from the National Medical fellowships, while $5,000 is provided for each scholar of the American Bar Association.

Civic Groups and Community Foundations

Students may seek help from civic groups and other charitable institutions. In giving back to the community, large corporations also sponsor college education for minority groups and low-income earners. Other popular foundations also hold annual fund-raising campaigns for the benefit of struggling families and low-income students.

Things to Consider for a Low-Income Scholarship

Along with your application form, you will also be asked to submit letters of request and recommendation, an official transcript of records, a proof of family income through income tax returns, a copy of resume with photo, and an essay. However, to boost your chances of acquiring a scholarship grant, here are other things you shouldn't ignore:

 Don't beat the deadline; submit applications as early as possible.
 Keep your resume short but attractive enough and your essay concise but relevant.
 Choose your college course wisely based on personal goals and character traits.
 Have an estimated cost of your total college expenses.
 Look for a part-time job or work-study employment program.

Although college education may cost more than what you're family is earning in a year, it is always a good investment for a more profitable career. All you need to do is to find a credible scholarship institution to fulfill your endeavors.