Computer Science Scholarships
Getting a degree can be expensive. Students pay an average of $35,331 every year in tuition and associated expenses according to the Education Data Initiative — and, with higher education fees steadily rising for the past two decades, many have been forced to take on significant debt to pay for college. While a computer science degree may position you to land a high-paying job and pay off your student loan quicker, debt can nevertheless eat into your future earnings in the form of monthly payments.
Financial aid that doesn't have to be paid back is preferable to loans when it comes to finding ways to fund your higher education. Depending on eligibility requirements, you can apply to a wide range of federal, state, and private grants and scholarships, as well as target aid programs that are specifically designed for students enrolled in bachelor's or master's degrees in computer science. Our list breaks down the various funding options available in this field, including those that exclusively support women and minority students.
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How to Get a Scholarship for Computer Science
While there are many funding opportunities to choose from, securing a computer science scholarship can be a challenging process. To maximize your chances of receiving funding, it's good practice to keep the following in mind:
Identify funding sources early
Applying for aid can be a time consuming process that requires you to gather several bits of information, write essays, and meet strict deadlines. Identifying which scholarships and grants you want to apply for several months in advance will give you the time necessary to complete all applications before their deadlines.
Take relevant high school classes
Scholarships are often awarded to students who meet academic requirements and demonstrate a genuine interest in their chosen field. Taking high school classes in STEM areas can help convince funders that you're serious about pursuing a computer science degree.
Ensure you meet eligibility requirements
With so many funding opportunities available to computer science students, eligibility requirements can vary based on the scholarship or grant you apply for. It's therefore important to ensure you meet all prerequisites for a given assistance program before you spend time filling out an application.
Submit all required materials
Failing to provide the correct information can result in your scholarship or grant application being swiftly denied. At the time of submission, be sure you have all the required materials — including fees, application forms, and supporting documentation — to avoid missing out on a potentially great funding opportunity.
Once you receive a grant or scholarship, it's a good idea to remain in close touch with both the funding agency and your school's financial aid department. This can help ensure that your college or university applies funding credit toward tuition or other expenses on time. It can also clear up whether you need to meet specific academic requirements to remain eligible for an award, or renew funding on a yearly or semester basis.
Other Financial Aid Resources
While grants and scholarships can be a great way to pay for a computer science degree, you can also explore other avenues to fund your education. One such opportunity may be work-study programs, a form of federal aid where students work part-time to offset tuition and related costs. Federal and private loans can also be an option if they offer favorable repayment plans — though these should be a last resort.
Next Steps
Finding funding opportunities may seem daunting, but looking in the right places can make this process easier. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a scholarship database which can be searched by subject area and degree level, and you can also contact your state's respective education departments.
Additionally, the computer science field has several professional organizations which offer grants and scholarships. When you're ready to apply for aid, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, as many funding bodies and universities use this form to determine how much assistance you're eligible for.
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