Financial aid also is available from many community organizations, foundations, corporations, clubs, and civic and cultural groups.

Some awards are based on financial need. Others are based on other requirements, such as academic or athletic achievement, religious affiliation, ethnic or racial heritage, community service, career plans or field of study, or special hobbies and interests.

If you're looking for private sources of financial aid:

• Inquire at community organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.
• Check with churches, businesses, industries, and veterans posts.
• Keep in touch with your high school counselor.
• Review reference books in your high school guidance office or the library.
• Watch for announcements in your local news media.
• Search online (but be wary of fee-based financial aid search companies).
• Check with your or your family's employer, professional association(s), or labor union(s). They often sponsor grants, scholarships, or loans. Some employers will pay part of the price of continuing education for their employees who enroll in job related courses.

Download a list of useful higher education web sites which includes education options in Minnesota, financial aid, and college and scholarship search sites.