Scholarships

General Scholarship Information

As the expense of attending a 4 year institution rises, students and parents are looking for more scholarship information. To aid in this search, the counseling department has compiled a list of scholarship search links and will periodically update the scholarship information they receive through the mail.

Students should also search their college/university of choice for scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are not only offered through the college/university but also through the academic colleges (i.e. College of Business, College of Education, College of Science, etc.); therefore, students should also search their academic colleges for scholarships.

Filing the FAFSA

FAFSA is the acronym for the federal government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form must be completed to be considered for any federal college grants or loans, as well as TOPS. Complete information on this application can be found be clicking here.

Louisiana Student Financial Aid Programs

Federal Student Financial Aid Programs

  • US Department of Education: A great site for general information on federal student aid programs.
  • FAFSA Forecaster: A great tool to help you forecast your eligibility for various forms of federally sponsored student financial assistance.
  • FAFSA on the Web: Your portal for submitting a Federal Student Aid application)
  • PIN:  (This Web site is your source of information for the Federal Student Aid PIN. Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) can be used each year to electronically apply for federal student aid and to access your Federal Student Aid records online.)

Free Scholarship Search Services

Louisiana Specific Scholarships

  • Horatio Alger Louisiana Scholarship Program: If you are a high school senior who has already faced and overcome great obstacles in your life, you need to take a closer look at this program. Other requirements include Louisiana residency; that you be able to demonstrate financial need; that you have a minimum GPA of 2.0, and have a record of good academic achievement; that you are serious-minded in your approach to your future; and, that you are service oriented. Along with your completed application you will need to submit an essay, copy of your transcript, a letter of support, and an income statement. The scholarship may be used for full-time undergrad study at designated colleges which include Loyola-New Orleans, McNeese State University, Tulane, University of New Orleans, and Xavier University. There is no specified field of study for this award, but you must be in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.  These scholarships are for $10,500.
  • Louisiana Go Grants: Grants are a wonderful thing because, unlike student loans, they don’t have to be paid back. This grant is intended to give financial aid to low to moderate income students. You must receive a Pell Grant to qualify. To apply, you are required to complete the free, on line FAFSA application (see note above). The amount of this grant ranges from $500 to $2,000, and is renewable.
  • Louisiana Rockefeller Wildlife Scholarship: Can you see yourself with a career in wildlife/fisheries, forestry, or oceanographic/marine sciences? If you are a resident of the state and can demonstrate financial need, this just might be your ticket to school. To apply you must have a GPA of at least 2.5, and complete the free FAFSA application on line (details in note above). This award is in the amount of $1,000 and is intended for use by full-time students in 4-year institutions.
  • Louisiana Veterans Affairs Educational Assistance for Dependent Children: If you are a resident of the state, and a dependent of a disabled (at least 90%), or deceased veteran who died as a result of a service-related injury, you might qualify for this program. Further, you may be eligible if the disability rating is 60% with a 100% unemployable classification. To apply you must submit a certificate of eligibility. The amount of this award varies, but is a tuition waiver at all Louisiana state-supported schools.
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities U.S. Scholarship Program: Graduating seniors visit www.rmhc.org and apply today. Deadline for the 2011-2012 academic year is December 20, 2012.
  • GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program: Up to 20 college-bound high school seniors who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, & citizenship will receive $10,000 renewable scholarship up to $40,000 per student. Seniors may apply online until January 10, 2013.
  • Abbott & Fenner: The A&F Scholarships are available to all high school juniors and seniors. To apply, write an essay between 500 & 1000 words on the following topic: “What was the most difficult time in your life, and why? How did your perspective on life change as a result of this difficulty?” Send submission by e-mail to scholarships@abbottandfenner.com.  Deadline is June 14, 2013.
  • Catholic Youth Leadership Award Program:  This scholarship program is sponsored by the State of Louisiana’s Knights of Columbus. The applicant must be a senior and a practicing Catholic. The Knights of Columbus is looking for one Catholic boy & one Catholic girl who exemplifies leadership and Catholic values.  The applicant will be required to document his/her involvement in their church parish, school, and community.  Access the application at www.louisianakc.org.  You must complete the application online and then print it out in order to complete the required signatures from your church pastor, your high school counselor, and the Grand Knight of the nominating council.  The deadline to return the completed application to the local Knights of Columbus Council is January 28th, 2013.  The state winner will be awarded $4000.
  • Burger King Scholars Program:  The application period is from November 15, 2012 – January 10, 2013.  Scholarship grants range from $1000 – $50000.  Awards are based on grade point average, work experience, extracurricular activities and/or community service.  To view the eligibility requirements & apply go to https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/burgerkingscholars.
  • Fireside Essay Scholarship:  Five $1000 cash scholarships will be awarded to any student enrolled in a Catholic high school graduating in 2013.  One student from each school can apply.  He/she must write a 750 word essay on the topic “How is your religious education influencing your life?”  You must mail the application forms and the essay by December 18, 2012.  To apply go to www.firesidecatholic.com.
  • Best Buy Scholarship:  Scholarships worth $1000 will be awarded to students who demonstrate good grades, commitment to community service, and/or work experience.  This is a one-time scholarship.  To apply, please go to http://pr.bby.com.  The deadline is February 15, 2013.
  • LELA’s Cash for College & Drawing Scholarships:  Enter LELA’s essay/video scholarships contest and drawings.  Submit a short essay or video of your college game plan.  Also register online at www.GoFAAM.com.  Deadline is March 31st, 2013
  • Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program: Mississippi State University & The University of Mississippi are looking for students who would like to major in education & become a math or English teacher.  The “Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program” (METP), will offer a student full tuition, an annual housing allowance, a $6000 study abroad opportunity, & a tablet computer if the student makes a five-year commitment to teach in a Mississippi public school after graduation.  The applicant mut have an ACT composit of 28 or a SAT score of 1250, and a GPA of 3.5.  For more information visit http://www.metp.org
  • University of Louisiana-Lafayette Visual Art Scholarship: The Visual Arts Dept. at ULL is offering a scholarship to a student interested in majoring in visual arts.  The student must be a La. resident, a first generation college student (neither parent has earned a college degree), must have a 3.0 GPA & maintaine an 3.0 GPA each semester at ULL, must be eligible for Pell Grant, and be willing to serve as a student worker on campus.  For more information visit http://visualarts.louisiana.edu.  The deadline is April 30, 2013
t t