Outside Scholarships: There are many outside scholarships available to students today.  Often, if students take time to research scholarships, they find they are eligible to apply for several outside awards.  We recommend that you use free scholarship search engines on the web such as www.fastweb.com and www.collegeboard.org to help you with your search. To assist you in your search, a variety of handbooks and reference materials on financial assistance and scholarships should be available at your local library.  You MUST notify the Office of Student Financial Planning immediately if you receive any outside scholarships or grants as these funds must be counted as part of your financial aid package. 

Click here for a listing of outside scholarships and grants.

Be careful not to become part of a scholarship scam.  You should not pay a fee to anyone to help you find outside resources.

Local Civic and Social Organizations/Employers: We recommend that you contact local civic and social organizations concerning scholarships they may offer to college students.  Also, don’t overlook your employer, as they may provide tuition reimbursement and scholarships for employees and their spouses/dependent children.  You MUST notify the Office of Student Financial Planning immediately if you receive any outside scholarships or grants as these funds must be counted as part of your financial aid package.

Vocational Rehabilitation: Grants covering college expenses, or some portion thereof, may be available through the Vocational Rehabilitation Service to students who have a disability which substantially interferes with employment.  Any student who feels he or she may qualify for this assistance is advised to contact a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in his or her hometown.  You MUST notify the Office of Student Financial Planning immediately if you qualify for any Vocational Rehabilitation funds as these funds must be counted as part of your financial aid package. 

Veterans Administration Benefits: We recommend that all veterans contact their local Veterans Administration Office regarding eligibility for financial assistance through this agency.  (Mercer’s VA Coordinator is located in the Office of the Registrar.)  You MUST notify the Office of Student Financial Planning immediately of all Veterans Educational Benefits you anticipate receiving, as these funds must be counted as part of your financial aid package. 

Alternative Student Loans:  Many banks, credit unions and commercial lending organizations offer alternative student loans.  We recommend that all students pursue federal student loans prior to applying for alternative loans.  Be aware that these alternative loans have terms which may differ significantly from federal student loans.  All private alternative loans must be certified by the Mercer University Office of Student Financial Planning.