Because College Is Expensive Scholarship: For many students, the journey toward higher education begins with excitement and ambition, but often collides with a harsh reality: college is expensive. Tuition fees, textbooks, housing, and other costs can quickly add up, creating financial barriers for millions of students every year. Recognizing this, scholarship opportunities like the “Because College Is Expensive Scholarship” have emerged to help students lighten the financial load while focusing on their academic and career goals.
Whether you’re a high school senior preparing for college, an undergraduate working toward your degree, or a graduate student navigating tuition bills, the Because College Is Expensive Scholarship is a valuable opportunity to help you on your journey.
What Is the Because College Is Expensive Scholarship?
The Because College Is Expensive Scholarship is a simple yet impactful award program created by Cedar Education Lending, a student loan refinancing company dedicated to helping students and families manage educational costs. This scholarship is designed to be inclusive, quick to apply for, and open to a wide range of students, regardless of their field of study or academic standing.
Unlike traditional scholarships that require long essays, test scores, or detailed applications, the Because College Is Expensive Scholarship offers a fast, low-effort application process that makes it highly accessible.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Award Amount: $500
- Frequency: Quarterly (4 winners per year)
- Application Fee: None
- Essay Required: No
- Selection Method: Random drawing from eligible entries
- Deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31 (each year)
- Announcement of Winner: Typically, within 2 weeks of the deadline
Each quarter, one applicant is randomly selected to receive the $500 scholarship. This approach ensures fairness and opens the opportunity to students who might not have the highest GPAs or a polished resume but still need financial support.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The eligibility criteria for the Because College Is Expensive Scholarship are intentionally broad to include as many students as possible:
- U.S. citizens or legal residents currently residing in the United States.
- Students age 14 or older.
- Applicants must be:
- High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors;
- Students currently enrolled in college or graduate school;
- Or parents with a child enrolled in college or planning to attend.
This makes the scholarship appealing not only to students but also to parents managing the high costs of sending a child to college
How to Apply
Applying for the Because College Is Expensive Scholarship is straightforward:
- Visit the Official Application Page
Go to the scholarship website:
https://cedaredlending.com/scholarship/ - Fill Out the Short Online Form
The form typically asks for:- Full name and contact information
- Current school or intended school
- Expected graduation date
- Submit Your Application
No additional documentation or essays are needed.
Once you submit the form, you are entered into the next quarterly drawing.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
1. No Stress, No Essay
Many scholarships require extensive essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts. The Because College Is Expensive Scholarship skips all of that. It’s a perfect opportunity for students who don’t have time to write essays or simply want to take a chance on a scholarship that doesn’t require major preparation.
2. Quarterly Deadlines
With four chances to win each year, applicants have multiple opportunities to enter. You can even apply once every quarter, increasing your chances without redoing the entire application.
3. Inclusive and Fair
By using a random drawing, the selection process gives everyone an equal chance—regardless of GPA, test scores, or background. It’s a refreshing change from merit-based scholarships that may unintentionally exclude qualified but less traditional students.
4. Open to Parents
Few scholarships include parents as eligible applicants. This feature recognizes the reality that many parents shoulder the burden of college expenses and may be returning to school themselves.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
While the scholarship is based on random selection, here are a few ways to improve your approach:
- Apply every quarter: Since you can reapply for each new deadline, don’t miss a cycle.
- Set reminders: Add the quarterly deadlines to your calendar or phone to stay on track.
- Double-check your information: Ensure accuracy in your application details to avoid disqualification.
- Explore other resources: Cedar Education Lending offers financial tools, loan calculators, and refinancing options that might help you further.
Other Scholarships Like This One
If you like the simplicity of the Because College Is Expensive Scholarship, you may also want to explore these similar, low-effort scholarships:
- Niche “No Essay” Scholarship
- ScholarshipPoints Monthly Sweepstakes
- Cappex Easy Money Scholarship
- Tallo Monthly Scholarships
- Bold.org Quick and Easy Scholarships
Combining multiple low-effort scholarship applications can increase your odds of winning helpful funds.
How the Scholarship Makes a Difference
While $500 may seem modest compared to full-ride scholarships, every dollar helps reduce debt. According to CollegeBoard, the average cost of college per year in the U.S. ranges from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the institution. A $500 scholarship can cover books, lab fees, transportation, or even part of your tuition.
For many students, this money means fewer hours working a part-time job and more time focusing on schoolwork. And emotionally, just knowing someone is willing to support your journey can be a significant motivator.
Final Thoughts
The Because College Is Expensive Scholarship reflects the reality of higher education costs and provides a much-needed opportunity for students and families across the U.S. It’s inclusive, easy to apply for, and offered regularly—making it one of the most approachable scholarships available today.
In a world where college costs can feel overwhelming, this scholarship is a reminder that even small financial wins can make a meaningful difference. Whether you’re a first-time freshman or a parent sending your third child to college, the Because College Is Expensive Scholarship is worth a few minutes of your time.
✅ Apply today and take a small but impactful step toward your college success!
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