Outside Scholarships

Outside scholarships, also known as “private scholarships” or “third party scholarships,” are educational awards not provided directly by ACU. The main sources of these scholarships are churches, organizations, clubs, trusts and foundations. We encourage you to actively pursue these sources of assistance and turn awards in to the Financial Aid Office. 

 

Tips for Applying for Scholarships

  • Choose a scholarship organization that you feel passionately about or one that has a purpose statement or vision you share.
  • Provide specific responses to questions with good, elaborate examples that will make your essay or video stand out rather than generic remarks and clichés.
  • Be witty, creative, and sincere. Remember that some of these organizations will be reading hundreds of applications so be sure to let your unique personality shine through!
  • Proofread, proofread, proofread! Ask an English teacher and/or friends and family to critique your essay. They can help you brainstorm, get your creative juices flowing, and catch simple grammatical/punctuation errors you may have missed.

 

Tips for Avoiding Scholarship Scams

As families struggle to obtain the funds they need to pay for a college education, it is easy to fall victim to scholarship scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises caution when you see the following lines:

  • "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
  • "You can't get this information anywhere else."
  • "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship."
  • "We'll do all the work."
  • "The scholarship will cost some money."
  • "You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship" or
  • "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered.

 

Guides to Avoiding Scholarship Scams:

Common Scholarship Scams

Warning Signs of a Scholarship Scam

How to Avoid and Protect Yourself from Scholarship Scams

How to Report Scams

Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act of 2000