1. show me the money: Scholarship Dos and Don’ts
Brian Pollastrini
Elmhurst College

2. Quick Facts About The Cost of College
According to the College Board, the average college tuition for the year was $32,405 for private colleges, $9,410 for state residents at public colleges and $23,893 for out of state residents at public colleges.
The average cost of college has increased dramatically over the last 40 years and continues to rise.
The average federal student loan debt in 2014 was $26,507.
The Department of Education awards over $100 billion each year in student loans and grants.
People with a college degree earn an average of $21,100 more per year than people with only a high school diploma.

3. Cost of Attendance Tuition Fees (technology, network, parking, etc.)
Room and Board
Books and Supplies
Transportation
Personal/Miscellaneous

4. Cost of Attendance at Elmhurst College
Tuition - $35,250
Fees – Orientation $75, Academic Technology $250, Residential Network $150, Parking $100
Room and Board - $9,928
Books – about $1,000
Transportation – about $1,000
Personal/miscellaneous - varies

5. Do Well In School! - Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarship is the largest source of financial aid for many students.
These scholarships are mainly based off your transfer GPA and other academic factors.
Many colleges offer scholarships for transfer students who belong to Phi Theta Kappa.

6. Elmhurst College Merit Scholarships
Transfer Excellence Scholarship (3.5 GPA) – up to $16,000
Transfer Achievement Scholarship (3.0 GPA) – up to $12,000
Transfer Recognition Scholarship (2.5 GPA) – up to $10,000
Transfer Heritage Scholarship – up to $8,000
Add On:
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship and 3.5 GPA – up to $2,000
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship and 3.75 GPA – up to $4,000

7. Other Institutional Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships
Diversity Scholarships
Religious Affiliation Scholarships
Legacy Scholarships
Major Specific Scholarships

8. Other Elmhurst College Scholarships
American Dream Grant – up to $2,000
United Church of Christ Scholarship – up to $2,000
Legacy Scholarship – up to $2,000
Art and Theatre Talent Scholarship – up to $2,000
Music Scholarship – up to $20,000

9. FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the minimum amount you will be expected to contribute toward your education.
The difference between a college’s total costs and your EFC is your need.
Most college grants and loans are based on need whereas scholarships are based on academic credentials.
You can file FAFSA for academic year on October 1st.

10. What Can I Get From The FAFSA?
Grants
Pell Grant (federal)
MAP Grant (state)
Loans
Subsidized Loans (interested deferred)
Unsubsidized Loans
Work Study
Institutional Grants
Some colleges, like Elmhurst, offer additional grants based on need

11. The FAFSA and Elmhurst College
If you submit your application and FAFSA by November 1st, you will be considered EARLY ACTION.
Early Action applicants will get their admission decision and a financial aid package by December 1st.
Admits will receive a ‘Bluejay Box’
If you apply after November 1st, Elmhurst College will process applications on a rolling admission basis.
We suggest applying as soon as possible!

12. Outside Scholarships
Different companies and organizations offer scholarships for college students as well.
Scholarships will have different requirements, an application, an essay, letters of recommendation.
Check with different colleges to see if there is a limit to the amount of outside scholarship you can bring in.
The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship is the largest transfer scholarship in the country. It is $40,000 for 3 years.

13. Tips On Winning A Scholarship
Start searching for scholarships as soon as possible. Continue searching for scholarships even after you are enrolled in college.
Tailor your application to the sponsor’s goals. Read and follow the instructions carefully.
Proofread a printed copy of your essay and the application for spelling and grammar errors. Also, have someone else read your essays to catch mistakes and give you feedback.
Read eligibility requirements carefully. If you have a question about whether you qualify for a certain scholarship, contact the scholarship sponsor. There’s no point in applying for a scholarship you’re not eligible to receive.
Keep copies of everything.
Don’t miss deadlines.

14. Outside Scholarships http://www.fastweb.com/

15. Scholarship Resources for Undocumented Students
City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Scholarship
Get Ready for College
Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF)
Illinois Dream Fund
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)
Latino College Dollars
Scholarships for Hispanics
Fastweb!
The Dream.US
Genesco Migrant Center

16. More About Elmhurst
The average student award at Elmhurst College is $25,960.
The average debt for Elmhurst College graduates is 17% less than the national average for private schools. It is very comparable to in state residents of public schools.
Elmhurst College is very proactive with covering the MAP grant for eligible students in the wake of the state budget crisis.
You can use the Net Price Calculator tool on our website to get an estimate of your financial aid opportunities at Elmhurst College.

17. Brian Pollastrini Admission Counselor Elmhurst College 630-617-3097 brian.pollastrini@elmhurst.edu

18. https://bigfuture. collegeboard