Attending college can be an exciting and enriching experience. It can also be a costly one. In addition to tuition, fees, books, and supplies, other expenses to think about include room and board, health insurance, transportation, and spending money. A combination of financial aid and other outside funding resources can help you meet college costs.

Financial aid and other outside funding resources can help you meet college costs. Your first stop should always be the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, which can assist you with various financial offerings, including awards, scholarships and grants, and work and loans.

Other funding sources can include general scholarships and awards, which provide monetary gifts based on a student's achievements, interests, background, or other criteria. An excellent first step in your scholarship search is to check with your parents' employers, local organizations, your high school guidance counselor, your college or university's financial aid office, the department chairman at your chosen school, and your college or the local library.