Apply for Scholarships: Your Future is Worth the Effort

One of the most important things to understand about scholarships is this: they are free money, not loans. When you receive a scholarship, that is money you never have to pay back, which means less stress, less debt, and more freedom after graduation. As a Langston University alum, I can confidently say that scholarships played a major role in helping me afford college, and they can do the same for you if you know where to look and how to apply.

There are thousands of scholarships available, offered by colleges and universities, employers, private companies, nonprofits, religious and community organizations and professional or social groups. Some are large, some are small and some may only be awarded once, but every dollar adds up.

When I reflect on my college journey, scholarships played a critical role in making it all possible.While I was in the Honors Program at Langston University, I was a Regents Scholar, which meant my honors scholarship covered room and board but did not cover any of my tuition. As a student-athlete, I played softball all four years of college and received an athletic scholarship of a few thousand dollars annually. However, that support alone was not enough, especially because I paid out-of-state tuition since I was not from Oklahoma or a neighboring state. The higher tuition costs meant that each year I had to seek out external scholarships to close the gap between what softball covered and what I still owed. By consistently applying for and earning scholarships, I was able to minimize how much I borrowed and graduate without an overwhelming amount of student loan debt.

Start with FAFSA (Yes, Even for Scholarships)

Before you can be considered for many scholarships, especially those connected to Langston University, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA isn’t just for loans, it’s also used to determine eligibility for federal scholarships, grants, and university-based aid.

• Langston University FAFSA School Code: 003157
• File FAFSA as early as possible and every year
• Even if you think you won’t qualify, apply anyway

As a student, I learned quickly that FAFSA is the foundation of almost everything related to financial aid. Missing it can automatically disqualify you from opportunities if the system doesn’t have enough time to process that you’ve completed it before the scholarship application deadline passes.

Types of Scholarships You’ll Encounter

Merit-Based Scholarships
These are awarded for meeting or exceeding certain standards, such as academic achievement, leadership, or special talents.

Need-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are based on financial need and typically rely on FAFSA information.

Identity or Background-Based Scholarships
Many scholarships are designed for specific populations, including women, first-generation students, military families, and students from certain cultural or ethnic backgrounds.

Some scholarships may cover full or partial tuition, while others are one-time awards meant to help with books, fees or housing.

Keep in mind:
Most scholarships must be applied for every year. Receiving a scholarship one year does not guarantee it will automatically renew.

Where to Find Scholarships

• Langston University’s Financial Aid Office
• High school counselors
• The U.S. Department of Labor’s free scholarship search tool
• State grant agencies
• Libraries and community organizations
• Professional associations related to your major 
• Employers (yours or your parents’)

Some of the most helpful scholarships I found came from sources outside the university, especially local and national organizations.

Understanding External Scholarships

External scholarships are scholarships awarded by organizations outside of Langston University. These can include private companies, nonprofits, foundations, professional associations, and national programs. External scholarships are especially valuable because they often continue year after year and can sometimes be stacked with university aid.

Examples of external scholarship providers include:

• Fastweb’s Scholarship Directory, which allows you to search by major, background, interests, and more
• Discover Student Loans Scholarship Sweepstakes, which awards $5,000 scholarships every month 
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)

From my experience, applying to external scholarships often takes some genuine effort. They usually require a scholarship essay, recommendation letters or even video statements, but they can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. The key is staying organized and applying consistently.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Scholarships

As a student at Langston University, you should be familiar with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). TMCF is a national organization that supports students attending historically Black colleges and universities.

TMCF offers a wide range of scholarships and programs for:

• Incoming freshmen
• Current undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Students pursuing specific majors or career paths

Many TMCF scholarships also include professional development opportunities, internships, leadership training, and networking with corporate partners. These opportunities can be just as valuable as the financial award itself.

Scholarship requirements vary, but most require:

• Enrollment at an eligible HBCU
• A minimum GPA
• FAFSA completion
• Essays and sometimes recommendation letters

I strongly encourage Langston University students to regularly check TMCF scholarship opportunities and apply to as many as you are eligible for. 

While Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) scholarships are highly competitive, being awarded a TMCF scholarship is not as far-fetched as you may think. I was personally awarded multiple TMCF scholarships that made a tremendous difference in my college experience. Over the years, I also knew several other students at Langston University who were TMCF scholars as well. That matters because it shows these opportunities are real and attainable. Don’t let the feeling of being a “needle in a haystack” stop you from applying. Valuable scholarships are awarded to students every year, and there’s no reason you couldn’t be one of them.

Scholarships at Langston University

Langston University offers numerous scholarships and tuition waivers.

These include:

• Langston University Foundation Scholarships
• Langston University Legacy Scholarship – Fall deadline: July 31st, Spring deadline: January 31st
• Langston Campus Tuition Waiver Scholarships

Each scholarship has specific GPA, enrollment, and FAFSA requirements. Be sure to read each application carefully and meet all deadlines.

Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Applications

• Proofread everything. Even strong essays can lose impact because of small grammar or spelling errors. If you need help, take advantage of the resources at the Writing Center. 
• Build relationships with professors early. Many scholarships require recommendation letters, and it’s much easier to ask when professors know you and your work.
• Treat video submissions professionally. Dress appropriately and choose a quiet, well-lit location on campus to present yourself with confidence.
• Stay involved in community service. Many scholarships require volunteer hours, so look for opportunities each semester to stay eligible and strengthen your application.

How Scholarship Money Is Paid

Scholarship funds may be sent directly to Langston University and applied to tuition and fees, or they may be sent directly to you. If the scholarship exceeds your charges, any remaining funds are typically refunded. In my experience some scholarships are awarded on a need basis and use your FAFSA to determine how much scholarship money is needed to cover your tuition so that there is no refund. 

Always review award notifications carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

How Scholarships Affect Other Financial Aid

Scholarships impact your overall financial aid package. Because your total aid cannot exceed Langston’s cost of attendance, the Financial Aid Office may adjust loans or other aid accordingly. Always report external scholarships to the university.

My Advice as a Langston University Alum

When I was applying for scholarships, the process sometimes felt overwhelming. Deadlines, essays, and requirements can pile up quickly. My advice is simple: apply anyway. Even scholarships you think you won’t get are worth the time.

Applying for scholarships can feel inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when it requires recording and editing a video or sitting down to write another essay. It’s easy to tell yourself that other assignments, work, or responsibilities are more urgent, but the reality is that a single day spent on a scholarship application can save you thousands of dollars in tuition.

Make scholarship applications part of your routine. Keep track of deadlines, save essays you can reuse, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Scholarships are one of the most powerful tools you have to make college affordable. Whether it’s a university award, an external scholarship, or a national opportunity like TMCF, every scholarship brings you closer to graduating. 

You belong here and there is funding out there to help you thrive.