Apply for a Fly In Program while you still can!

Visiting campus is one of the most important steps in deciding if a particular college is right for you. Because of this, most colleges offer weekend programs where students can spend a couple nights on campus, and get to know the students and faculty who bring the college to life. However, travelling to these campuses can be extremely expensive. Here is a list of colleges that offer travel assistance for students who demonstrate financial need. Many of these applications are due soon, so apply while you still can!

Click on this link from College Greenlight: http://www.collegegreenlight.com/blog/fly-in-programs-for-underrepresented-students/

Activ8 Scholarship - Latino students

This scholarship is for Latino students who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is primarily aimed at first-year college students; however, undergraduate and graduate students are also encouraged to apply. A 2.5 GPA is not required, but highly recommended. This scholarship is focused on those students who are immigrants and of a lower socioeconomic status, but all Latino students are encouraged to apply. Non-US citizens and undocumented students are eligible to apply.

Deadline: Oct. 25

Award: Varies

More info: http://www.activ8chicago.com/#!services/c13ps

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities IES Abroad Diversity Scholarship

This scholarship is for students attending Hispanic-Serving institutions that are members of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must apply to, be accepted to, and enroll in a summer, semester, or academic year IES Abroad program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0. Priority is given to first-generation college students and/or Federal Pell Grant recipients. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.

Deadline: Oct. 25

Award: $2,500 - $5,000

More info: http://www.iesabroad.org/study-abroad/scholarships/hacu-ies-abroad-scholarship

Dr. Lou Fischer JEN Co-Founder Scholarship

This scholarship is for high school students, who in the opinion of their peers and instructors, display an exceptional talent and potential in jazz performance and/or education or industry. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must demonstrate potential for growth, artistic accomplishments, and leadership skills. Students should use the scholarship award as tuition to attend either a summer jazz camp or college tuition and/or school related expenses. Recipients must also participate in a jazz class or ensemble during the school year after the scholarship is granted and volunteer at the Annual JEN Conference in the year of nomination (students age 18 and up only).

All nominations must be received by September 30th to be considered for the award.

Additional support materials must be submitted as a unit by October 15th.

Award: $1000

More info: http://www.jazzednet.org/1/en/2013_Dr_Lou_Fischer_JEN_CoFounder_Scholarship_Award

La Unidad Latina Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship is for Hispanic students who are currently enrolled in an eligible bachelor's or master's degree program at an accredited four-year college or university. Eligible degrees include all bachelor's degrees, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Public Administration/Policy, Master of Social Work, Master of Education, and Master of Divinity. Undergraduate students must have completed at least one full-time year of study and have a cumulative GPA between 2.8 and 3.6, and graduate students must have completed at least one full-time semester. Applicants also must reside in the United States. Note that scholarship applications are only accepted within the 45-day period prior to the deadline.

Deadline: Oct 15

Award: $250-$1000

More info: http://www.lulfoundation.org/

Marshall Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to American students to enable them to study in the United Kingdom. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be US citizens, have a bachelor's degree from a four-year US college, and have a minimum 3.7 GPA.

As future leaders, with a lasting understanding of British society, Marshall Scholars strengthen the enduring relationship between the British and American peoples, their governments and their institutions. Marshall Scholars are talented, independent and wide-ranging, and their time as Scholars enhances their intellectual and personal growth. Their direct engagement with Britain through its best academic programmes contributes to their ultimate personal success.

Deadline: Oct. 1

Award: University fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grant, thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States and, where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse.

More info: http://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Raymond Davis Scholarship

This scholarship is for undergraduate students who have completed two academic years of study and for graduate-level students. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must have an academic and/or research focus in a field related to imaging. Applicants must be full-time students at an accredited institution pursuing an academic degree. Applicants do not have to be members of IS&T.

Deadline: Oct. 1

Award: $1,000

More info: http://www.imaging.org/ist/membership/davis.cfm?AwardCode=RS

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Scholarship Programs

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s scholarship programs are designed to encourage and support outstanding students who work hard and have financial need. Their scholarships provide financial assistance and academic support to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

Young Scholars Program
College Scholarship Program
Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program
Graduate Scholarship Programs

Award: up to $30,000

Deadline: See webpage: http://www.jkcf.org/scholarships

Samsung Superhero Competition

This competition is for students in grades K-12 who attend a school within US or Federal Territory. To apply, applicants must portray a historical character in a digital video of one to three minutes in length - no cartoon or movie characters will be accepted. Applicants will be judged on presentation performance, character and content accuracy, and content quality. Winners of the competition will receive a SAMCAM 760 document camera for their school and $500 for themselves.

Deadline: Nov. 30

Award: $500

More info: http://www.samsungsuperhero.com/

AAHD Scholarship Program

This scholarship (American Association on Health and Disability Scholarship Program ) is for students with disabilities pursuing a higher education. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate school or part- or full-time in a graduate school, have a documented disability, and provide documentation of their disability. Applicants must be US citizens or legal residents of the United States, and be enrolled in an accredited university. Preference will be given to students who plan to pursue undergraduate/graduate studies in the field of public health, health promotion, disability studies, to include disability policy and disability research.

Deadline: Nov. 15

Award: under $1,000

More info: http://www.aahd.us/initiatives/scholarship-program/

James Alan Cox Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship is for student photographers of high school and college age. Through a variety of funding, including equipment purchases and scholarships for college and technical school classes, the foundation's mission is to expand educational and developmental opportunities for student photographers demonstrating interest, talent, and financial need. To qualify for this scholarship, high school students applying for these scholarships must have completed one year at an accredited high school; college or technical school students applying for these scholarships must have completed one year at a recognized college, university, or professional school.

Deadline: Nov. 15

Award: $2,500

More info: http://www.jamesalancoxfoundation.org/application.php

PBA Sally Beauty Scholarship

This scholarship is for high school graduates who are planning to be cosmetology majors and/or enter the cosmetology profession. Scholarship funds awarded must be used in the year 2014.

Seven $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school graduates desiring to enter the cosmetology profession.

Six $500 scholarships will be awarded to current PBA Beauty Professional / NCA section members for continuing education in the field of cosmetology.

The applications deadline is November 15, 2013. Scholarships will be awarded at ISSE Long Beach 2014. Thirteen scholarship recipients will be chosen and notified by email. All scholarships are funded by Sally Beauty Supply and administered by the Professional Beauty Association Foundation. Applications will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the PBA chair. All scholarship awards are final. Scholarship funds awarded must be used in the year 2014.

More info: http://probeauty.org/scholarships/

Intel Science Talent Search Awards

This science research competition is for students in their last year of high school. To apply, applicants must present a full, scientific report about research of their choosing in the areas of science, math, engineering, and/or medicine. Forty finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC to attend the Intel Science Talent Institute from March 6-12, 2014. The visit includes final in-depth judging, visits to historic sites and cultural institutions, and meetings with national leaders and prominent scientists and engineers. The top ten award winners will be announced at the black-tie gala to be held on March 11, 2014.

Deadline: Nov. 13

Award: $7,500 - $100,000

More info: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/education/competitions/science-talent-search.html

College Photos at Collegesnaps.com

CollegeSnaps was created with several goals in mind:

• Not everyone has the time or resources to visit college campuses during the college search. The Fiske Guide and other college books are a one stop shop to read about the colleges. The hope is that CollegeSnaps will become a one stop shop to SEE the colleges. 
• For those who are able to visit colleges, CollegeSnaps can help students decide which campuses they want to see in person. Alternatively, after visits, 
• CollegeSnaps can help you remember which school was which! Colleges put out glossy viewbooks with beautiful, color-enhanced spring flowers or fall foliage. Is it ever winter on a college campus? And what does it REALLY look like, without the photoshop? That is why we want pictures from YOU! 
• It's amazing how some colleges really just don't put a lot of pictures on their websites! Some have great virtual tours, others have practically nothing! CollegeSnaps fills that void.

Visit Collegesnaps here: http://www.collegesnaps.com/

Student Expedition Program

Student Expedition Program. What is STEP? Simply put, STEP is an unprecedented opportunity for talented high-school students with limited financial resources to discover the extent of their own abilities. In confronting and overcoming the challenges faced during an extended 3-week wilderness leadership expedition, students gain self-confidence, self-esteem, a sense of purpose, and an understanding that they have what it takes to succeed.

STEP’s mission is to equip low-income, first-generation college-bound Arizona students with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to successfully transition to college and obtain a college degree.

More info: http://stepexpedition.org/

Federal Student Aid!

Federal Student Aid! Get help paying for college! Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The office of Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school.

They offer more than $150 billion each year to help millions of students pay for higher education.

Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. At the office of Federal Student Aid, their 1,200 employees help make college education possible for every dedicated mind by providing more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 15 million students paying for college or career school. They are proud to sponsor millions of American minds pursuing their educational dreams.

Fill out an application and find more info: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Student Essay Contest

This contest is open to all public, private, parochial, and home school students in grades five through twelve. To apply for this contest, applicants must write an essay on a given topic. All essays must be accompanied by a student release and teacher registration form; see entry form for more details.

The 2013 Student Essay Contest uses a political cartoon and text passages to highlight the importance of remembrance and respect for diversity in making the world a better place.

Dealine: November 9

Award: $50-$100

More info: http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/secondary.php?section=6&catid=69

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

This award is for students in middle school and high school who have made a difference through volunteering over the past year. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be in grades 5-12 as of November 5 and legal residents of any US state or Washington DC. Applicants must have engaged in a community service activity that occurred at least partly during the 12 months prior to the date of application submission. Applicants must complete and submit an application to a school principal or the head of an officially designated local organization by the deadline.

Deadline: Nov. 5

Award: $1,000 - $5,000

More info: http://spirit.prudential.com/view/page/soc

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program

This scholarship program is an audio-essay contest. To qualify, applicants must be high school students in grades nine through twelve and be enrolled in a public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the United States or its territories. To apply for this scholarship, applicants must submit an essay and a recording on the topic, "Why I'm Optimistic About our Nation’s Future." Winners will be determined based on originality, content, and delivery.

Deadline: Nov. 1

Award: $1,000 - $30,000

More info: http://www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy/

Students with Heart Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who have cardiac disease or a cardiac deformity. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be entering or currently attending a US post-secondary institution as undergraduate or graduate students, and maintain a minimum status of part-time (six credits). Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be US citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. A letter from a licensed physician, official transcripts, letter of recommendation, and personal statement are required.

This scholarship's application process may have items such as essays that could take a couple hours.

Deadline: Oct. 1

Award: $500-$6000

More info: http://www.studentswithheart.org/scholarships.html

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who will be studying abroad. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant or provide proof that they will be receiving one. Applicants must be applying to or have been accepted to a study abroad program that's eligible for credit. Applicants must be studying abroad for at least four weeks in one country except Cuba or any country on the US Department of State's current travel warning list. Programs going to more than one country are eligible if the students will be studying in one country for at least four consecutive weeks.

Deadline: Oct. 1

Award: $3000-$8000

More info: http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program

Hispanic Scholarship Fund General College Scholarship

This scholarship is for Hispanic graduating high school students, community college students, transfer students, college students, and graduate students. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and plan to enroll full-time (community college and transfer students may enroll full- or part-time) at an accredited institution in the United States, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, or Guam in the upcoming academic year. Applicants also must be US citizens, legal permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens.

The application period is open September 1st through December 15th for the following academic year.

Award: $1000-$5000

More info: http://www.hsf.net/en/scholarships/programs

Richard E. Merwin Student Scholarship

This scholarship is for members of the IEEE Computer Society. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be college juniors, college seniors, or graduate students who are electrical engineering majors, computer engineering majors, or computer science majors. Applicants must be attending college full-time and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Deadline: Sept. 30, 2013

Award: $1000 

More info:  http://www.computer.org/portal/web/studentactivities/merwin;jsessionid=d8a82ac3944bde04fd936909dfa3

 

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Program

This scholarship program is for high school seniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite facing economic challenges. Most College Match scholarship recipients come from households earning less than $60,000 annually (for a typical family of four) and have experienced long-term economic hardship. Applicants must plan to graduate from high school during or before the spring/summer of 2014 and enroll as freshmen in college in the fall of 2014. Non-US citizens, undocumented, and international students are eligible. Recipients are granted admission to one of QuestBridge's partner colleges with a full scholarship. All scholarships are full four-year scholarships with no loans.  

Deadline: Sept. 27, 2013  

Average Award: $100,000

More info:  http://www.questbridge.org/for-students/ncm-national-college-match

College JumpStart Scholarship Program

The College JumpStart Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition -- financial need is not considered -- that is open to 10th-12th graders, college students and non-traditional students. The main requirement is that you are committed to going to school and can express your goals for getting a higher education. The first place prize is a $1,500 scholarship to help cover educational expenses. This award can be used at any college or university in the United States.

The deadline for the competition is October 17, 2013.

More info: http://www.jumpstart-scholarship.net/

 

College Fair Tomorrow with Congressman Raul Grijalva!!!

College Fair with Raul Grijalva! September 21st from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Join Congressman Raul M. Grijalva in cooperation with colleges and universities from across the country to present students with post-secondary opportunities. Attending institutions will present select students with acceptance letters and scholarship awards. Location: El Pueblo Neighborhood Center 101 W. Irvington Tucson, Arizona. This event is free and open to the public. More info below:

Say NO to Bullying' Student Contest

Say NO to Bullying' Student Contest-EnergizeStudents.org

Contest Background “It is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students." Source: National Education Association

What is Your Idea to Stop Bullying? Energize Students is taking a stand against bullying and we'd like you to join our cause! If you are a teenager (14-19 yrs old), here is your chance to be part of the solution! You may have lived it, you may have feared it, you may have witnessed it, we've all been a part of bullying at one time or another and we want to know what lengths you would go to help protect others from the devastating effects of bullying. Together, we can "say NO to bullying" and make school a safe environment for all students. All it takes is for one person to stand up to it!

How does it work?

** NOTE: Before submitting, please download the Contest Requirements Sheet for full details on how to submit your essay and video. **

Students are asked to submit a video of 4 minutes or less portraying a bullying situation, story line, parody, or scene and what they would do to make a stand against bullying. Energize Students will choose the top videos and then you'll be given the opportunity to vote for your favorite submissions.

Submission period is from September 9 - October 21, 2013. All submissions will be viewable until the voting period. The Energize Students team will then choose the top finalists for the voting period and contact the finalists. The voting period will commence October 28 - November 4, 2013. The top 3 videos that receive the most votes will win cash prizes of up to $800.

All submissions confirm that students have received parental consent to enter the "Say NO to Bullying" Contest and that all students are between the ages of 14 and 19 years old. Those students who qualify for the voting period will be required to submit a completed Contest Consent Form by parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if under the age of 18.

Voting Rules You must be registered to vote and may vote up to 3 times per day for your favorite submission(s) during the voting period. Energize Students reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any entry at any time to preserve the integrity of the contest if voting discrepancies occur.  

Are there prizes? Yes! Energize Students will award the winners with prize money. This is your opportunity to support your favorite submissions and help award with 1st place $800, 2nd place $500 and 3rd place $300 from Energize Students. For more details on the awards, please visit the Winners Page.

More info: http://energizestudents.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=96118

C.I.A. Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Central Intelligence Agency Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Applications for Summer 2014 employment will be accepted until 15 October 2013. Applications for winter, spring, and fall employment should be sent at least twelve months before the desired start date. Additionally, high school applicants must be age 18 by April 1st of their senior year to be eligible for employment.

If you are a high school senior planning to enroll in a 4-or 5-year college program, or you are a college freshman or sophomore enrolled in a 4-or 5-year college program, who is looking for career experience in a dynamic environment, apply to the CIA's Undergraduate Scholar Program and contribute to the work of the nation before you graduate.

The opportunity to make a difference The Undergraduate Scholar Program was developed, in part, to assist minority and disabled students, but application is open to all students who meet the requirements. The program offers unmatched experience. You'll complete work sessions during each summer break, increasing your knowledge and job responsibilities while assisting intelligence professionals and applying your academic skills.

Once selected, you will be given an annual salary; a benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, and retirement; and up to $18,000 per calendar year for tuition, mandatory fees, books and supplies. You'll be required to work at an Agency facility during summer breaks and to maintain full-time college status during the school year with a minimum cumulative 3.0/4.0 GPA. We will pay the cost of transportation between school and the Washington, DC area each summer and provide a housing allowance.

Read more and apply at: https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-opportunities/undergraduate-scholarship-program.html

Hotelscheap.org General Scholarship for Higher Learning

HotelsCheap.org is awarding a need-based scholarship of $1,500 to college students. Hotelscheap understands that financing your education can be difficult; as a result they would like to lend a hand.

To apply for the scholarship, he or she must answer four personal, open-ended, and thought-provoking questions. The students whose responses are the most persuasive, compelling, and well-written, as judged by HotelsCheap Headquarters management team will be considered finalists.

Submission Deadline: October 15, 2013

Award Amount: $1,500.00

More info and application: http://www.hotelscheap.org/scholarship/apply

 

Job Fair on Saturday with Congressman Raul Grijalva!

College Fair with Raul Grijalva! September 21st from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Join Congressman Raul M. Grijalva in cooperation with colleges and universities from across the country to present students with post-secondary opportunities. Attending institutions will present select students with acceptance letters and scholarship awards. Location: El Pueblo Neighborhood Center 101 W. Irvington Tucson, Arizona. This event is free and open to the public. More info below: 

Future Engineers Scholarship Program

Award:
One winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship to be used toward eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board during the 2014 calendar year.

The winner will be invited to visit a local Kelly Services branch and will be presented with a check payable to his or her current institution. The winner will also receive a commemorative plaque.

The winner will be announced and a news release will be distributed to national media, local media in the winner’s hometown, and the winner’s university paper.

Eligibility:
Candidates must be full-time students at the time of application submittal, pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or Canada during the calendar year, and be accepted into the School of Engineering. Scholarships will not be awarded to 1st Year undergraduate students, or those 4th Year undergraduate students who will be graduating on or before June of the award year. Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale (or 3.5 on a 4.5 scale, and so forth).

Criteria: Demonstrated potential for and commitment to a career in engineering, as well as outstanding academic performance. Essays will also be judged based on depth of knowledge and awareness of the issue and/or challenge addressed, as well as creativity, composition and originality.  

Selection: Eligible entries will first be judged by the Kelly Engineering Resources Review Committee. The Top 10 finalists from the first level of review will then be judged by the Executive Review Committee, where a final winner will be selected.  

Submission Deadline: Entries must be received by Kelly no later than October 15, 2013. Mail Application Material to: Kelly Engineering Scholarship Program Administrator Kelly Services, Inc. 999 W. Big Beaver Rd. Troy, MI 48084

More info: http://www.kellyservices.us/us/careers/kelly-engineering-resources/future-engineers-scholarship-program/

It's All Up to You (Scholarship Slam)

About

Calling all poets! You are the writers of intimate dialogue with the world and emotion. Power Poetry invites you to participate in one of the countless opportunities that our feelings can experience. They ask for your desired words to scatter the page and overstep the boundaries of every day structure. Today, the world relies on your efforts to write and protect true history—the one we each survive with. Tell your story with the melody of a poem. Be proactive and share what you have hidden for the right occasion. This is the occasion. You are the poet.

Today they invite you to tell them the poem untold. That’s why for this scholarship slam, it’s all up to you! Submit an original poem about anything at all, and you may win $1,000 to put towards your college education.

HOW TO APPLY

•  Make sure you're eligible by checking out our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) and the contest rules. Basic requirements? (1) 25 years of age (or younger), (2) a current or former high school student in the U.S. who will attend or is attending college in the U.S., and, (3) a submitted poem. 
• Become a Power Poet by registering to be a part of our community. Look at previous winners, Action Guides and other poems for inspiration. 
• Add an original poem to Power Poetry by October 4, 2013. 
• Check our FAQ if you have any questions about the contest. 

More info:  http://www.powerpoetry.org/poetry-slams/its-all-you-scholarship-slam

Build U. Scholarship

Introducing Buildium’s Build U. Scholarship. They are giving away one $2,000 prize each semester to the Product Design, Interaction Design, Engineering, or Computer Science student who best explains how having a shared set of beliefs is important for building a great company.

The catch: You’ve got 1,000 words. Keep it short and sweet, but make it powerful and compelling. Then email your essay to scholarship@buildium.com. They'll read all the essays and pick the one that best exemplifies how shared beliefs can build a better company.

Scholarship details:

• Two $2,000 cash scholarships will be awarded. 
• One scholarship will be awarded in the fall, another in the spring. 
• Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of members of the Buildium Marketing team, with input from other teams. The decision of the committee will be based on originality and quality of writing. 
• Submission deadlines: October 1, 2013 (fall) and April 1, 2014 (spring). 
• Winners will be notified via email by October 31, 2013 and April 30, 2014. 

Scholarship requirements:

• College or university student in good standing at an accredited public or private university. (Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcript to your email in PDF format for verification.) 
• Must be enrolled in a Product Design, Interaction Design, Engineering, or Computer Science program. 
• Student must be at least 18 years of age. One entry per student per semester. Please use email. The subject line should read “Scholarship Essay” and students should include their first and last name, email address, and phone number. 
• We love legible fonts, so please use Arial, Times New Roman, etc. 
• Someone already wrote War and Peace. Please keep it to 1,000 words. 

More info:  http://www.buildium.com/buildiums-build-u-scholarship/

Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship

Since 1995, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance has awarded scholarships to outstanding undergraduate and graduate student members. The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, developed by the past presidents of AAHPERD to honor deserving students, is awarded to three undergraduate students and two graduate students in January of each year. All scholarships are presented at the AAHPERD National Convention & Exposition held in the spring.

Undergraduate awards are $1,250 each and graduate awards are $1,750 each. Recipients also receive a complimentary three-year AAHPERD membership.

Applications will be accepted electronically or by mail until October 15. Application forms and detailed eligibility criteria and procedures for submission are available below. Questions should be directed to Patti Hartle at phartle@aahperd.org

More info:  http://www.aahperd.org/whatwedo/scholarships/Abernathy_Scholarship.cfm


Ruth Abernathy

Princeton, Williams top list of best colleges

The 2014 annual ranking from US News & World Report has changed its methods to reflect new admissions standards and to increase the weight of graduation and retention rates.

This post is from Kelsey Sheehy at U.S. News & World Report.

Link to article: http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post--princeton-williams-top-best-colleges-list

Ballooning student debt and lean job prospects leave many questioning whether college is a worthwhile investment. The simple answer: yes.

In 2012, full-time workers with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $414 more per week than those with only a high school diploma, according to median earnings data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor.

Statistics. College graduates with a four-year degree were also nearly twice as likely to be employed.

Rising tuition makes choosing the right college more important than ever. The 2014 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, released today, are designed to help students and parents make an informed decision.

This year's installment offers data on nearly 1,800 colleges and universities, including tuition, acceptance rates, class sizes, graduation rates, average debt of graduates and much more. Eligible schools are ranked on up to 16 different factors, each weighted for importance.

U.S. News updated the methodology for the 2014 rankings to reflect the current state of college admissions and better measure student outcomes. High school class rank, a figure included on fewer student transcripts, is less important in college admissions decisions than in years past. As a result, class standing received significantly less weight in this year's rankings.

We also increased the weight of graduation and retention rates for national universities and liberal arts colleges and extended graduation rate performance, which measures the difference between an institution's predicted and actual graduation rates, to regional schools.

Despite these changes, there was little movement at the very top of the rankings. Princeton University took sole possession of No. 1 among the U.S. News National Universities -- schools that emphasize research and offer bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. programs -– breaking a tie with Harvard University.

Harvard didn't fall far, though, claiming the No. 2 spot.

Williams College tightened its grip on the top spot among National Liberal Arts Colleges, schools that focus on undergraduate education and award at least 50% of their degrees in fields such as English, economics or sociology. The private Massachusetts school claimed sole possession of the top spot four years ago, breaking a tie for No. 1 with Amherst College, and has held it since. Amherst now ranks second.

The top Regional Colleges, schools that grant fewer than half of their degrees in liberal arts disciplines, also held firm this year. Cooper Union in New York, High Point University in North Carolina, Taylor University in Indiana and Carroll College in Montana retained their No. 1 ranks in the North, South, Midwest and West, respectively.

In the rankings of Regional Universities -- schools that offer many bachelor's, some master's and few Ph.D. programs -- Villanova University in Pennsylvania held onto its No. 1 rank in the North, while North Carolina's Elon University moved from No. 2 to tie Florida's Rollins College for top billing in the South. In the Midwest and West, Creighton University in Nebraska and Trinity University in Texas held onto their No. 1 positions in their respective regions.

While many of the highest-ranked schools only shifted one or two places, if at all, it's a different story outside of the top 20.

Pennsylvania State University, for instance, climbed nine spots in the National Universities rankings, moving from a tie at No. 46 to No. 37, where it tied with Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. Pitzer College in California also gained ground among National Liberal Arts Colleges, moving from a tie at No. 43 to No. 35.

College choice isn't just about rankings, though. Cost is also a major factor for most students. President Barack Obama emphasized the importance of finding a school that offers a good value during his recent college affordability bus tour. Students can use the U.S. News Best Value Schools rankings to determine which colleges will give them the most bang for their buck.

This ranking looks at three variables -- the ratio of quality to price, the percentage of all undergrads who receive need-based grants and the average discount off a school's total cost -- to determine which institutions offer the best value in each ranking category.

Schools on this list don't always appear affordable, so students need to look beyond sticker prices.

Vassar College in New York, the No. 6 Best Value School in the Liberal Arts Colleges category, listed 2012-2013 tuition, room and board, fees and expenses at $59,860, but awarded need-based grants to nearly 60% of students that year. The average cost after receiving those funds was $19,470, an average discount of $40,390 off the total cost of attendance.

Other exclusive U.S. News rankings and lists include A-plus Schools for B Students, Top Public Schools and schools with the highest four-year graduation rate.

Regardless of whether students are aiming for an Ivy League education or want to attend a more affordable public university, the Best Colleges rankings provide critical information to help narrow the search.

Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program!

Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program Nominations for the Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program are currently being accepted. This program is a nomination-based award and only one student per school may be nominated by their principal or guidance counselor. The Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program, funded through the Comcast Foundation, recognizes high school seniors from Comcast communities for their commitment to community service, academics, and demonstrated leadership. To acknowledge these accomplishments, recipients of the award will receive a one-time grant of $1,000.

Comcast is a media and technology company, and the owner of Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal.  Last year, more than 950 scholarships were awarded to diverse students.

Scholarship Requirements:

• Full-time high school senior currently enrolled at a high school within a Comcast Community. 
• Student grade point average of 2.8 or higher. 
• Student demonstrates leadership abilities in school activities or through work experiences. 
• Student shows a strong commitment to and involvement in community service. 
• Student plans to attend an accredited, nonprofit college, university, or vocational/technical school in the United States. 
• Student will need to verify nomination by entering the Comcast School Code (CSC), provided by the principal or guidance counselor. 
• Student will need to complete and approve the terms and conditions set forth in the media release included as part of the scholarship acceptance form. If the nominee is not over the age of eighteen, the parent/guardian must complete and approve the terms and conditions set forth in the media release included as part of the scholarship acceptance form.

All scholarship materials must be received from the nominated student by December 5, 2013 in order to be considered.

To determine program eligibility and to request nomination access, please contact International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. at comcast@applyists.com or at (855) 670-4787.

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/ComcastLeadersandAchievers