Most of the college and university scholarships available today are not awarded based on financial need as they were in the past. The scholarships are also not only awarded for the academic genius, the star athletics superstar, or the captain of the chess club, but they are awarded based on a wide variety of different factors such as the major you have declared (and you can always change your mind!), your heritage, your last name, and many other things. There are even scholarships for left handed students!

The major difference in scholarships opposed to student loans is the money does not have to be repaid at graduation. Student loans are expected to be paid back after graduating. Who wants to start their life in the real world after graduation having a huge financial burden of student loans that now need to be repaid? Appling for university scholarships can be fun. As an example, the Duck Brand Duct Tape Company holds a contest for students age 14 years and older who are attending a high school prom. Entrance is open to couples only and both parties must be decked out wearing accessories or costumes made out of duct tape. A color photo of the couple together in duct tape attire must be submitted. First place prize is a $3000 scholarship for each person of the winning couple. Another $3000 cash prize goes to the host school. Additional prizes include $2000 for second place and $1000 for third.

The American Association of Candy Technologists sponsors annual $5000 university scholarships. It is open to college juniors, sophomores and freshmen to use for the following academic year. Students who have an interest in confectionary technology (making candy) are encouraged to apply. To qualify, candidates should be attending a four-year university in North America, be majoring in biological science, food science, or chemical science, and have a GPA of at least 3.0.

Have you come up with a great idea or invention? The National Inventors Hall of Fame gives university scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students for inventing new ideas, processes, and technological innovations. The invention must be patentable, and not have been made available to the public or patented more than one year prior to the date of submission of the competition. Submissions are judged on their potential value to society, originality, and inventiveness. Up to four students may work together as a team, but only one prize is awarded to each entry. One lucky winner walks away with the grand prize of $25,000! There is also competition prizes of $15,000, and $10,000 awarded.

The David Letterman Scholarship was established in 1985 to provide university scholarships for telecommunications students. The awards are intended for creative students who make average grades. Winners are judged primarily on creativity. Projects used to enter can be crafted using film, graphics, written, audio, or video. The winner receives a $10,000 scholarship, $5,000 goes to second place, and $3,333 is awarded to the third runner up.

Do not let a lack of funds stand in your way of receiving a quality college education that will gain you a rewarding future. Many university scholarships go unclaimed each year because no students apply for them. Do not let a lack of applying for possible scholarships hold you back from being awarded one (or more) of them. For more insights and additional information about University Scholarships as well as finding a wealth of resources for scholarship applications, please visit our web site at http://www.finding-college-scholarships.com