Outside scholarships

How to earn and use outside scholarships

Scholarship money is out there, but it’s up to you to request it! Just ask SNC student Ralph Hombsch ’24. He worked hard by applying for dozens of independent scholarships, and it allowed him to help pay for a significant amount of his college costs. Listen to his story below:



The universe of college scholarships is crowded with options, from funds that are awarded based on grade point average or test score, to scholarships targeting students who enjoy a specific activity. As a matter of fact, scholarships exist for passionate ukulele players, duck callers and candy makers. Chances are, you are eligible to be considered for outside scholarship aid as all sorts of organizations offer scholarships.

St. Norbert College encourages all students to research and apply for outside scholarships. If you receive an outside scholarship, you are required to notify SNC as soon as possible so that we can update your financial aid offer and bill. Please follow the reporting instructions provided on this page.

How to report outside scholarships at SNC

If you receive an outside scholarship, congratulations! You’re on your way to lowering your college bill. Ensure that outside scholarship funds are applied correctly by sending an email to financialaid@snc.edu that includes your full name and a copy of the scholarship you received.

Too good to be true?

Scholarship scams do exist. It's important for you to make sure the scholarships on your list are legitimate. Check out sites such as FastWeb or Big Future, and ask a parent, your high school counselor or another trusted adult to review the scholarships you plan to pursue before you submit any of your personal information.

How to earn outside scholarships

If you want to earn an outside scholarship, you have to take the initiative. Virtually all college scholarship programs require an application. Many ask students to write essays, build portfolios or submit letters of recommendation. We encourage you to research and apply for scholarships that match your background, achievements and passions. Put your best effort into outside scholarship applications — it could be well worth your time!

If you need guidance during your scholarship search, your high school counseling office may have practical resources you can use, such as scholarship guidebooks or web-based search tools.