State and Federal Financial Aid

The most commonly used source of college funding is state and federal financial aid. Disability - related expenses, such as, computers, assistive technology, medications or medical supplies, can be included in the student's financial aid budget. Be sure to inform the financial aid counselor of the disability - related expenses to be covered. Contact the UND Financial Aid Office at (701) 777-3121, or on the web at: http://www.und.edu/dept/finaid.

Scholarships

Every year, UND awards thousands of dollars in academic scholarships to students with outstanding GPA's. Check with the UND Financial Aid Office for applications and deadlines.

Not all scholarships are based solely on academic achievement. Many scholarships use other criteria, such as, disability, religious affiliation, certain hobbies, interests or abilities, specific majors or community service.

Disability Services for Students maintains a list of scholarships on our website: www.und.edu/dept/dss/Scholarships.htm. The list only includes scholarships for currently enrolled students, and all of them have disability as one of the eligibility criteria. They are grouped by type of disability for easy use. Scholarships are typically awarded in the spring for the following year, so students are encouraged to start researching opportunities in the fall semester.

Internet searches are a quick and convenient way to look for scholarships. The UND Financial Aid Office has a cluster of computers (one is equipped with large print and voice output) for students to use. Free searches include: FastWeb - www.fastweb.com; SRN Express - www.srnexpress.com; and CollegeBoard - www.CollegeBoard.com.

A word of caution: Do not pay for a scholarship search. Companies that charge for individualized scholarship searches say they will refund the cost, if the customer does not find a scholarship for which they qualify. However, it is very difficult to actually get a refund and hardly worth the hassle when there are free searches available online.

Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities is an excellent resource available online at the HEATH Resource Center website: www.heath.gwu.edu.

Use the connections you and your family have to uncover other scholarship sources. Sometimes a parent's employer or union may have a scholarship program for the children of their employees. Insurance companies, fraternal organizations, local service organizations (such as the Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Clubs), businesses, banks, or community groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce, may also offer scholarship programs.

Vocational Rehabilitation

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation's goal is to develop, improve, or restore the ability of people with disabilities to become gainfully employed. VR is an eligibility program, not an entitlement program. To qualify, an individual must have a disability that causes a barrier to employment and who can benefit from the services VR has to offer in regard to employment and/or participation in a training program (for example, a college degree.) VR may be able to help a student with expenses not covered by other resources, such as federal financial aid, insurance benefits, other agencies or the college.

To find out if you qualify, contact the regional office near your home. The North Dakota VR offices are listed in the blue pages of the phone book under State Government. In Minnesota, VR is listed under the State Department of Jobs and Training.

Money for college is available. Take the time to find it!