Scholarships from Outside Sources

Outside Scholarship Policies

Luther College encourages all students to explore outside scholarships.  College policy and federal regulations require reporting all outside scholarships to ensure accurate application to your financial aid package. Luther students can report outside scholarships through the Financial section of their NorseHub account (under Resources.)

Application of Scholarships

Outside scholarships will be evenly distributed throughout the year, with half of the award applied to the fall term and half to the spring term, unless directed otherwise by the scholarship provider. We will always follow the provider’s instructions.

Scholarship Reporting and Crediting

Scholarships reported to the Financial Aid Office but not yet received will be labeled as “Anticipated Outside Scholarship.” Once the funds are received, the label will change to “Outside Scholarship.” It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that outside scholarships are received by the Financial Aid Office. Scholarships that are reported by the student but not received by the college will result in a balance due.

Impact on Financial Aid

Outside scholarships will reduce the amount of money you owe to the college. In rare cases, they may also reduce the amount or type of loans you are eligible to receive. Our Financial Aid team will use current federal guidelines to ensure the funds are applied in the most beneficial way possible.

Tips for Finding and Applying for Outside Scholarships

1. Create a separate email just for the scholarship process. Make sure it’s professional!
2. Never pay to find or apply for a scholarship and never give out account information. These are signs of a potential scholarship scam. When in doubt, check with the financial aid office.
3. Check with your high school guidance counselor/school website. You can also check other nearby schools’ websites. If you are already in college, check with the financial aid office.
4. Start local. Many local banks, churches, professional organizations, unions, and clubs such as Rotary, Elks, and Lions offer scholarships.
5. Check with your and/or your parents’ employer. Some jobs will offer scholarships/tuition reimbursement as a benefit.
6. Have your letters of recommendation, resume, transcripts, etc. ready to go. If references are needed, make sure you ask well in advance of any deadlines.
7. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the applications. Applications that have been rushed don’t look as good. Read the directions thoroughly and review everything before you submit it. Make the application personal.
8. Be involved in the community. Think United Way, Habitat for Humanity, scouts, FFA, 4-H, and other community or religious organizations. A little volunteering can go a long way.
9. Don’t forget about small scholarships. There is likely less completion and every amount helps.
10. Use one of the scholarship search engines listed on our website.
11. Search for scholarships that highlight your strengths and accomplishments. Search by your hobbies, religious affiliation, heritage, volunteer and civic activities, financial need, musical talents, artistic skills, GPA, or state of residence.
12. Don’t assume that outside scholarships are only for first year students. Many exist for sophomores and above. Searching for outside scholarships isn’t just for high school seniors!
13. Don’t forget about deadlines. Most of the time a late application will not be accepted.
14. Finding and applying for scholarships takes time. You may need to apply to many different opportunities.
15. While some scholarships are renewable, many are not. Some of these multi-year scholarships have renewal criteria such as maintaining a specific GPA, completion of certain coursework, or involvement in specific activities.