It's well known that computer science is one of the most in-demand professions in the world. It is also well known that it is one of the most expensive educational programs to pursue. That doesn't mean there isn't financial aid to defray those costs. In fact, there is, and many of the source are those students aren't aware of.
This doesn't mean students should ignore more standard options though. Filling out a FASFA form and applying for such grants as the Pell, SEOG and more, is a good way to cut thousands of dollars off tuitions and fees right off the top. Yet these additional revenue streams can actually finish off the process, maybe paying the entire bill with some extras for such essentials as a dorm room, food and more. Here are a few examples of what's out there:
Intel Science Talent Search - The world-renowned microchip manufacturer knows where its bread is buttered. They set up an annual contest where 20 of the most promising students are awarded scholarships ranging from $750 to $100,000, an Intel-powered laptop and a trip to Washington DC. Prospects should be warned, according to Intel, that they field through 1,600 applications every year. At the same time, the payoff could be considerable.
AFCEA General John A. Wickham Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to second-year or higher students majoring in computer science, math, electric, aerospace and several other STEM disciplines. They must also have a 3.0 GPA or better and go to an acknowledged and accredited four-year school program. All students who meet their criteria receive $2,000.
Upsilon Pi Epsilon Student Award for Academic Excellence - This award is actually jointly administered by the college fraternity and one of the largest professional organizations for computer hardware experts in the country, the IEEE Computer Society. A competition, it awards four scholarships of $500 each to its winners, who must also have a 3.0 GPA or better.
Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship - Each year the Xerox Corporation awards anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 to minority students in a number of different computer and printing related categories. Again, the students must have a 3.0 grade point average or better and be attending, or planning to attend, college in a full-time capacity.
Microsoft Scholarships - Microsoft actually has four main scholarships in computer science; General, Minorities, Women, and Students with Disabilities. They are particularly interested in those showing exceptional originality and knowledge of software. If awarded, a student could wind up with a scholarship paying their full tuition for the year.
It should be noted this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the quality and number of scholarships available to computer science majors. This doesn't even begin to address the grant for online school (or traditional) possible opportunities. Search engines will turn up thousands and a good financial aid counselor can help. Whether you are starting with one course online or on-campus, or taking a full load, getting all the aid you can will make it a less stressful road.
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