The cost of higher education in the United States continues to rise. The College Board reports the average tuition and fees for the 2026 academic year at a private four-year college now exceeds $42,162 annually. This figure does not include costs for housing, books, or transportation. For many families, this price makes a college degree seem unattainable without significant debt. This financial reality is why finding a because college is expensive scholarship is no longer a luxury but a necessity for students who want to fund their education and secure a stable financial future.
These scholarships exist to bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and what a student can afford. Scholarship committees award funds based on a combination of factors, including academic merit, financial need, and demonstrated leadership. Securing this type of aid requires a strategic approach to finding and applying for the right opportunities. This guide uses a real-world example of a need- and merit-based award to show you how to find scholarships when college is expensive. Understanding the structure of these awards is the first step toward building a strong application and reducing your reliance on student loans.
The American Dream Achievers Scholarship is a prime example of an award designed to help students overcome financial barriers. This scholarship provides direct financial support to individuals who have a strong academic record but lack the resources to cover the full cost of their degree. It is a competitive award that highlights achievements both inside and outside the classroom. By breaking down its components, you will learn exactly what to look for in a because college is expensive scholarship and how to craft a compelling application to win one.
Scholarship Coverage
The American Dream Achievers Scholarship provides targeted financial assistance to undergraduate students studying in the United States. The program is designed to cover a significant portion of educational expenses for four years.
- Stipend: The scholarship awards $5,000 annually. The funds are renewable for up to four years, for a total award of $20,000.
- Degree Level: The award funds Bachelor’s degree programs at any accredited four-year university in the U.S.
- Eligible Programs: The scholarship is open to students in all majors but gives preference to applicants pursuing degrees in three high-need fields: education, healthcare, and computer science.
- Country: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents attending a university within the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
To secure funding, applicants must meet four primary eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that the scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic promise and genuine financial need, making it a true because college is expensive scholarship.
- Academic Performance: You must have a minimum cumulative high school or college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Enrollment Status: You must be a high school senior or a current undergraduate student who will be enrolled full-time for the 2026 academic year.
- Financial Need: You must demonstrate financial need by submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Aid Report (SAR). Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a key factor.
- Community Involvement: You must demonstrate a history of community service or extracurricular involvement, highlighting at least 50 hours of volunteer work within the last two years.
Application Process
To submit your application for the American Dream Achievers Scholarship, you must complete the entire process online via the official portal by the March 31, 2026 deadline. Following these three steps carefully will strengthen your application.
- Complete the Online Profile: First, create an account and fill out the application form with your personal, academic, and household financial information.
- Upload Required Documents: Next, you must upload three key documents in PDF format: your most recent official transcript, your 2026 FAFSA Student Aid Report, and a 500-word personal essay. The essay must answer the prompt: “How has financial need shaped your academic and personal goals?”
- Request a Letter of Recommendation: Finally, you must request one letter of recommendation through the online portal from a teacher, counselor, or manager. You must submit the name and email of your recommender, if you are a first-time applicant. To get a strong letter of recommendation, choose a recommender who knows you well, provide them with your essay and resume, and give them at least four weeks’ notice before the deadline.
