Embarking on a second bachelor’s degree can be a transformative journey, opening doors to new careers and opportunities. However, the financial burden can be daunting. The good news is that numerous scholarships are available specifically for students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree. These scholarships can provide significant financial assistance, making it more feasible to pursue your educational goals.
The Need for Second Bachelor’s Scholarships
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of students earning a second bachelor’s degree has been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2020, over 600,000 students enrolled in a second bachelor’s program. This trend is expected to continue as more individuals seek to enhance their skills and advance their careers.
The cost of a second bachelor’s degree can be substantial. The College Board estimates that the average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public college is over $12,000 per year for in-state students and over $27,000 per year for out-of-state students. For private colleges, the average cost is over $35,000 per year.
Scholarships can play a crucial role in reducing the financial burden for students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree. According to the American Council on Education, over $1.5 billion in scholarship funds are awarded to graduate students each year. By exploring scholarship opportunities, you can significantly decrease the amount of student loans you need to borrow.
Types of Scholarships for Second Bachelor’s
There are various types of scholarships available for second bachelor’s students. Some are based on academic merit, while others are need-based. Some scholarships are specific to certain majors or fields of study, while others are open to all students.
Here are some examples of scholarships for second bachelor’s students:
- Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence. The criteria for these scholarships can vary depending on the institution, but they typically include high GPA, GRE or GMAT scores, and research experience.
- Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. The criteria for these scholarships can vary depending on the institution, but they typically include family income, assets, and expenses.
- Major-specific scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who are pursuing specific majors or fields of study. For example, there are scholarships for students pursuing a second bachelor’s in nursing, education, or engineering.
- University-specific scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who are enrolled at specific universities. For example, there are scholarships for second bachelor’s students at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan.
How to Find Scholarships
There are several ways to find scholarships for a second bachelor’s degree. Here are some tips:
- Talk to your financial aid office: Your financial aid office can provide you with information about scholarships that are available to students in your program. They can also help you with the application process.
- Search scholarship databases: There are several scholarship databases available online that can help you find scholarships that you are eligible for. Some popular scholarship databases include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and CollegeBoard.org.
- Contact your department: Your department may have information about scholarships that are available to students in your major. They may also be able to help you with the application process.
- Join professional organizations: Professional organizations often offer scholarships to their members. If you are a member of a professional organization, contact them to see if they offer any scholarships for second bachelor’s students.
Applying for Scholarships
Once you have found some scholarships that you are eligible for, it is time to apply. The application process can vary depending on the scholarship, but it typically involves submitting an application form, transcripts, and a letter of recommendation.
Here are some tips for applying for scholarships:
- Start early: The scholarship application process can be time-consuming, so it is important to start early. Give yourself plenty of time to gather the necessary materials and submit your application.
- Be thorough: When completing your application, be sure to answer all of the questions thoroughly and provide all of the required information. Incomplete applications are often not considered for funding.
- Proofread your application: Before you submit your application, proofread it carefully for any errors. This includes checking for grammar and spelling errors, as well as making sure that all of the information you have provided is accurate.
Conclusion
Pursuing a second bachelor’s degree can be a valuable investment in your future. Scholarships can help you make this investment more affordable. By exploring scholarship opportunities, you can significantly decrease the amount of student loans you need to borrow and make it more feasible to pursue your educational goals.
