When applying to colleges, Amber Cole’s parents encouraged her to go where she would be happy but to keep in mind the cost. The price of a college or university can make or break a student’s decision.
The pressure to get a college education increases, and so does the price. The fear of student debt has brought on a lot of stress. The University does a good job with merit scholarships for students. Scholarships are also given away in each of the schools. Although the school offers money to the students, that is not enough to pay the remaining cost.
In the School of Communication, there are eight different scholarships that are open to students. These total $8,300.
For the School of Arts and Sciences, there are four different scholarships available. The money given to students in the Arts and Sciences department ranges from $2,500 to $4,500.
In the School of Business, there are six scholarships offered. The requirements for each of these scholarships can be found on the Point Park website; if you follow the Academic tab to each of the schools, on the side bar for each school, there is a tab for scholarships.
Cole held a 3.88 GPA in high school and was awarded the Vice Presidential Scholarship.
“Price played a big factor in my college decision,” Cole said of applying to colleges.
The University offers money for undergraduate and graduate students in all departments. Merit scholarships provide aid in the total tuition cost. They range from $10,000 to $17,000 for undergraduate students in the schools of Arts and Sciences, Communication and Business. These are given away based on SAT scores, GPA and if they are a full time student.
For Conservatory students, there are scholarships starting at $2,000 to $14,000. To obtain these, student’s GPA and auditions are the factors in the scholarship process.
Louis Spanos has found a dead- end when searching for outside scholarships. On the scholarships page at the very botton is where they list seven different sources in which students can use to find outside scholarships. Most of these sites require one to make an account that helps find scholarships. These sites are hard to find so looking for them can be a hassle.
“I was not able to find any and was left confused,” Spanos said.
In addition to these websites, places like local churches and community clubs offer scholarships to undergraduate students.
Students should look out for certain prerequisites and fees when applying for scholarships.
“Students should read through scholarship requirements and never pay a fee to apply,” George Santucci, Director of Financial Aid at Point Park, said.
If the student does not meet the requirements, they should try and find ones that cater to them. He advises students to get out and know their options.
“The money is out there if you are willing to put the work in,” Santucci said.
