Western Carolina University

Use the resources provided on our website.
As we receive information about scholarship opportunities, we will make that information available to you on our website.  Check back often for updates. 
 
Talk with your guidance counselor about scholarships from your high school and from organizations in your community.
Many local organizations provide scholarships for students that can be used at the student’s school of choice.  Be sure to ask early because some of these will have application deadlines during the fall.

Have your parents ask about scholarship opportunities at their workplace. 
Many corporations across the U.S. give money to charitable organizations and to schools or individuals in the form of scholarships.  Parents of college-bound students should contact their human resources office to find out information about scholarships and awards.
 
If you are a student and have a part-time job at a grocery store, fast-food restaurant, or retail outlet, you may be eligible for an employee scholarship given by your employer. 
Examples include, but are not limited to:  Wal-Mart, Ingles, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, McDonalds, Burger King and Taco Bell.
 
Many corporate banking institutions have a variety of scholarships available to students.
Be sure to inquire about scholarships through the foundations at Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citibank (Citigroup), and SunTrust Bank.
 
Check with your community foundation.
Many communities have foundations that have established scholarships for residents.  For this type of search, enter the name of your county or hometown and add “community foundation” or “foundation” to narrow your results.

Do a general Internet search. 
Select a keyword or phrase like “cancer,” “creative writing,” or “community service” and add the word “scholarships” to search for sites related to your interests.  You also can use this technique to search for scholarships from your hometown or county. 
 
Do not limit yourself to one scholarship search engine. 
If you are serious about finding scholarship money for college, don’t limit yourself to one scholarship search engine.  Fill out information on multiple scholarship sites and pursue all scholarships for which you meet the criteria.  Some scholarship foundations don’t receive many applicants and therefore award money to all who have applied. 
 
APPLY!  APPLY!  APPLY!
The more scholarships you apply for, the more money you could be awarded!  We encourage you to pursue departmental, community, corporate, and other national scholarships to help pay for college.  There is money out there, but you are going to have to search for it.