financial assistance essay sample

• Applying For Scholarships

Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Oct 2, 2022

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Many scholarships are awarded based on financial need. In order to win these scholarships, you must explain the nature of your financial need. In the guide below, we’ll explain how to write these types of essays to increase your chances of winning. Check out these scholarship essay examples for financial need scholarships.

How to write financial need scholarship essays

Here are some tips for writing financial need scholarship essays:

• Maintain a positive tone throughout the essay . You do not want to come across as self-pitying. Focus on ways you learned and grew from past experiences – how they made you stronger.
• Do not diminish other people’s suffering. This is a competition, but that doesn’t mean you should belittle your competitors. In fact, it would be better to say “I know there are many worthy candidates for this scholarship, but…” than to say “I have suffered far more than…” Show respect in everything you write.
• Frame your essay around a specific event. You may add other details if you have space to, but use one experience as the thesis for your essay.
• Avoid controversial statements and opinions. When discussing events from your past, do not belittle someone else or talk negatively about a group of people. You never know who will be reading your essay.
• Tell your story with honesty. Do not fabricate any details to make yourself sound needy. Your past and present circumstances will speak for themselves.
• Don’t try to sound philosophical. Some students will do this because they think it makes them seem smarter, but it rarely has that effect. Focus on proofreading and writing solid content. That is enough intelligence on its own.
• Discuss your career goals, if possible. You may not have room for this if the essay is short. If you do have room though, discussing your career goals will indicate a plan for the future. Review boards reward determination.

You know why you need financial aid. Tap into the key elements of your circumstances and use them to craft the perfect essay.

Many scholarships are awarded based on financial need. In order to win these scholarships, you must explain the nature of your financial need. In the guide below, we’ve provided examples of scholarship essays for financial need scholarships, along with some tips to help you write your own essay.

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Example 1: “Provide a statement of financial need”

Some scholarships will simply ask for a statement of financial need. There are no parameters to follow. You’re left to write whatever you want. Typically, a statement of financial need is two or three small paragraphs. This will come out to roughly 150-200 words, but it could be slightly longer. Think of this as a cover letter for your scholarship application, highlighting the key elements of your financial need. Don’t build up to the thesis. Get directly to the point.

I am the first person in my family to graduate high school, and thus the first to attend college. Both of my parents dropped out of school when they were teenagers. Because of their limited education, they have always worked in entry-level positions, earning barely enough to put food on the table. My first job I got was at the age of 12 delivering papers, and I have worked hard ever since to relieve pressure from my family. I enrolled in Mississippi’s HELP program during my senior year, which covers tuition and fees at select colleges in the state. I also have a Federal Pell Grant to cover my housing. However, I still need funding for books, supplies, and transportation to campus as needed. I am an engineering student, and our classes come with high fees. My parents cannot contribute to my college expenses, and I cannot work much while I’m in school. This scholarship would help me avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay.  

Example 2: “Describe your financial need in 100 words”

This essay is even shorter than the financial need statement. It may be one of several short answer questions you need to fill out. Working with 100 words is tricky. That only leaves room for about 7-10 sentences, depending on length. Make compelling statements using the fewest words possible.

Also note that grammar errors and misspellings will be much more noticeable in this short essay. Carefully proofread your writing before submitting the scholarship application.

I got pregnant and dropped out of high school when I was 15. By the age of 20, I had two more children, and we all shared a one-bedroom apartment. I worked three jobs to pay the bills, but I never earned much. When my oldest started high school, I did the same. I got my GED at 29 and enrolled in nursing school. My financial status has improved now with a GED, but I’m still a single mom with three kids. I want to become a registered nurse to give my children a stable future. I appreciate your consideration.

Word Count: 100

Example 3: “Explain your financial need in 500 or more words”

This scholarship essay prompt is the opposite of the one above. You have much more room to discuss your circumstances. Talk about your family life, your income, and other restraints that contribute to your financial aid . Try not to throw too much in the essay though. You want the information to flow together seamlessly. Edit carefully, and give the readers a full view of your situation.

My name is Brandon Noviello. I am a sophomore on track to earn my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. I need financial aid because I do not have a family to contribute to my education. I was in foster care for two years before I aged out of the system, and now I am pursuing a degree completely on my own. I was raised by a wonderful woman who didn’t always have a wonderful life. My mother got pregnant after a sexual assault, but she was determined to raise a smart, successful man. She went through an accelerated program to graduate high school before I was born. She devoted the rest of her life to supporting me, both financially and emotionally. My mother’s family cut ties with her the moment she became pregnant. Life wasn’t easy for us, but I never wanted for anything. She always found a way to keep me fed, dressed, and in school. Unfortunately, she lost a long-term battle with depression when I was 16, and I was put into the foster system until I reached adulthood. I did not have a positive experience with foster care, but I admit, I had no desire to. My mother’s passing weighed heavily on my mind, and I felt an overwhelming sense of anger, regret, and frustration. There was one gleam of hope in my experience though. I had a great social worker. I fought her decisions every step of the way, and she still managed to find a family to get me through high school. My social worker was the only person I invited to my graduation ceremony.  She helped me realize how much one person’s efforts can make a difference in the lives of others. I was only one of countless children she had helped over the years. I researched how to become a social worker so I could help other children like me. My plan is to work with the Department of Human Services in the foster care and adoption division after I graduate. In order to make my dreams a reality, I need financial aid. I am working as a server to pay for food, utilities, and basic necessities, but I do not earn enough to pay for college as well. I go to school during the day and work at night. Furthermore, I have a maximum Pell Grant to cover most of my tuition, but I still need help with other expenses. I did not do well in high school as a result of my mom’s passing, but I have done well in college. I have a 3.25 cumulative GPA, and I have never made less than an A in a degree-related course. As such, I am committed to being successful despite my circumstances, and I want to help young people find that motivation within themselves. I look forward to working with children and teens in the foster system, so I can be the hope that someone else was for me.

Word Count: 498

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Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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How to write a financial need statement for your scholarship application (with examples!)

So you’re applying for a scholarship that asks you about your financial need. What do you say? How honest or specific should you be? What is TMI? In this article, we break down how to pen an awesome financial need scholarship essay or statement.

What to include in a financial need scholarship essay

Template to structure your financial need scholarship essay, introduction: your basic profile, body: your financial situation and hardships, conclusion: how you would benefit from this scholarship, was this financial need essay for a college financial aid application , now, reuse that same essay to apply for more scholarships, additional resources to help you write your financial need scholarship essay.

Many scholarships and college financial aid awards are “need-based,” given to students whose financial situation requires additional support. That’s why one of the most common college scholarship essays is a statement of financial need. This might be very explicit (“Explain your financial need”), somewhat explicit (“Describe your financial situation”), or quite open-ended (“Explain why you need this scholarship”).

In all cases, scholarship providers want to get a sense of your family’s financial picture: what your family income is, if you personally contribute to it (do you have a job?), and how much additional money you need to attend your target college (your “financial gap”).

If the essay prompt is a bit more open-ended (“Explain how this scholarship would help you”), your essay should probably be a combination of a financial need statement and a career goals / academic goals essay.  That’s because you want to show how the award will help you financially and in your academic or career goals.

Usually this statement of financial need is a pretty short scholarship essay (150-300 words), so unlike a college essay or personal statement where you have ample word count to tell anecdotes, you’ll likely need to get right to the point. 

Be sure to include: 

• If you are an underrepresented group at college, for instance, part of an ethnic minority or the first in your family to go to college
• Any relevant family circumstances, like if your parents are immigrants or refugees, as well as your parents’ occupation and how many children/family members they support financially
• How you are currently paying for college, including what you personally are doing to contribute financially (like working student jobs)
• What financial challenges/difficulties your family is facing, for instance, if a parent recently lost their job
• How you would benefit from the scholarship–including your academic and career goals (if word count allows)

Also remember to write in an optimistic tone. Writing about your financial situation or hardships might not be the most positive thing to share. But you can turn it around with an optimistic tone by writing about how these challenges have taught you resiliency and grit.

Give a short introduction to who you are, highlighting any family characteristics that might make you part of an underrepresented group at college. 

“I am a first-generation American and the first in my family to go to college. My family moved from El Salvador to New York when I was seven years old, to escape the violence there.”

Example 2: 

“I am from a working-class family in Minnesota. My family never had a lot, but we pooled our efforts together to make ends meet. My parents both worked full-time (my father as a mechanic, my mother as a receptionist at the local gym), while my siblings and I all worked weekend jobs to contribute to the family income.”

Dive into the details. How are you currently planning to pay for college? The idea here is to show that you and your family have made a good-faith effort to earn enough money to pay your tuition, but that it has simply not been enough. 

Make sure you describe your parents’ occupation, any savings (like a 529 College Savings Account), and any student jobs. You might also discuss any sudden changes in fortune (e.g. parent fell ill or lost their job) that have ruined your original financial plans. 

Example 

As immigrants with limited English, my parents have had to accept low-paying jobs. My father is an Uber driver, and my mother is a housekeeper. They earn just enough to pay our rent and put food on the table, so I’ve always known they could not help me pay for college.  So I’ve been proactive about earning and saving my own money. Since age 11, I’ve worked odd jobs (like mowing my neighbors’ lawns). At age 16, I started working at the mall after school and on weekends. Through all these jobs, I’ve saved about $3000. But even with my financial aid grants, I need to pay $8000 more per year to go to college. 

Bring it home by wrapping up your story.  Explain how you plan to use the financial aid if you’re awarded this scholarship. How will you benefit from this award? What will you put the money toward, and how will it help you achieve your academic and/or career goals?

Scholarship review boards want to know that their money will be put to good use, supporting a student who has clear plans for the future, and the motivation and determination to make those plans a reality. This is like a shortened, one-paragraph version of the “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay . 

Winning $5000 would help me close the financial gap and take less in student loans. This is particularly important for me because I plan to study social work and eventually work in a role to support my community. However, since these jobs are not well paid, repaying significant student loans would be difficult. Your scholarship would allow me to continue down this path, to eventually support my community, without incurring debt I can’t afford.

My plan is to study human biology at UC San Diego, where I have been admitted, and eventually pursue a career as a Nurse-Practitioner. I know that being pre-med will be a real academic challenge, and this scholarship would help me focus on those tough classes, rather than worrying about how to pay for them. The $2000 award would be equivalent to about 150 hours of working at a student job. That’s 150 hours I can instead focus on studying, graduating, and achieving my goals. 

Sometimes this financial need statement isn’t for an external scholarship. Instead, it’s for your college financial aid office.

In that case, you’re usually writing this statement for one of two reasons:

• You’re writing an appeal letter , to request additional financial aid, after your original financial aid offer wasn’t enough. In this case, you’ll want to make sure you’re being extra specific about your finances.
• You’re applying for a specific endowed scholarship that considers financial need. In this case, your financial need essay can be quite similar to what we’ve outlined above.

Now that you’ve written a killer financial need scholarship essay, you have one of the most common scholarship essays ready on hand, to submit to other scholarships too.

You can sign up for a free Going Merry account today to get a personalized list of hundreds of scholarships matched to your profile. You can even save essays (like this one!) to reuse in more than one application.  

You might also be interested in these other blog posts related to essay writing:

• What’s the right scholarship essay format and structure?
• How to write a winning scholarship essay about your academic goals
• How to write an awesome essay about your career goals
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How to Write a Statement of Financial Need

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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Prior to coming to Scholarships360 for her first internship in 2022, Savannah utilized her campus publications by joining various fashion publications that are offered at Ohio University. One of those publications is Thread Magazine, where Savannah has had the opportunity to work on articles related to world-wide related fashion news and events, as well as articles closer to home, such as a fashion piece on Athens hometown-hero Joe Burrow. This year, Savannah also had the opportunity to be a content writing intern for Aiken House, as well as a section editor for Southeast Ohio Magazine. In 2023, Savannah served as the Chapter President of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. These collective experiences, as well as her experience currently working for Ohio University’s Undergraduate Admissions, has led her to Scholarships360 and aided in her passion for helping students better understand the college admissions process and financial aid. In her free time, Savannah enjoys horseback riding, watching Formula One races, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Savannah will graduate from Ohio University in May 2024 with a degree in Journalism News and Information and a certificate in Italian Studies.

Caitlyn Cole is a college access professional with a decade of experience in non-profit program and project management for college readiness and access organizations.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Many students want to know how to write a statement of financial need since it is a challenge. Deciding what is appropriate to include or omit can make all the difference, so it’s also especially important that you use your words economically and effectively.

What is a Statement of Financial Need?

College is an investment, but for many students financial aid may not be enough to cover the cost. Because of this, students may find themselves needing to write a statement of financial need, which is a brief statement explaining your financial situation. Generally, the statement of financial need will go beyond what is captured by the FAFSA or CSS profile.

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to show you how to write a statement of financial need.

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How we organized this article.

We’ll start with a “Do’s and Don’ts” list. This list will answer questions you may have about which details to include in your statement. Once you’ve got an idea of what should be included, we’ll show you a general template for writing these statements, including some examples. This will help you illustrate your points thoroughly while staying under the word limit. We also included some relevant FAQs just in case you had a few more questions. 

Related: Top need based scholarships

What to include in your statement

• A quick rundown of your family’s employment situation. This includes who in the family is working, what type of job they hold, and if you are working to help support your education or to help support your family
• Whether you are a first-generation college student
• If you or your parents are immigrants or refugees
• Whether you or your parents speak English as a second language, or do not speak English at all
• If you were raised by a single parent, or in a foster home
• Any extenuating circumstances that could be affecting your family’s finances, such as medical issues or job loss. Any recent shortfall in your family’s financial situation is worth mentioning
• If you are a member of any minority group (for many colleges, recruiting underrepresented students is an institutional priority as they seek to create a diverse community).
• Opportunities that you would be able to accept if the scholarship helped meet your financial need. An example would be if you are pursuing an unpaid or low-paying internship over the summer, but needed to earn money to help pay for next semester’s tuition

What to avoid in your statement

• Try to avoid a negative or dramatic tone. Even if your financial situation is stressful, try not to communicate that stress in your statement. It’s best to let the facts speak for themselves
• Avoid comparing your situation with the situations of others. Remember, this essay is about you, and why someone in your situation could benefit from the scholarship
• Avoid focusing too much on tangential details. Try to only include the details that are immediately relevant to your ability to further your education. For example, if your family has experienced a financial shortfall because your father lost his job, you don’t need to go into details of your father’s business or his chance of being re-hired. You need only to mention that it has led to your family receiving less than their projected income for the year, and that this impacts your ability to pay for college

Related: What’s the best scholarship essay format?

Now that you know what to include in your essay, you’re ready to start writing your statement of financial need. This can be done by following a step-by-step process:

Create an outline

Write your introduction.

• Format your essay with body paragraphs

Finish with a strong conclusion

Let’s get started with the first step…

To get started with your outline, try writing out a bullet-point list of the details you’d like to include in your essay. Include all of the details that emphasize your financial need. This includes demographic information, your parents’ employment, and any extenuating circumstances your family is experiencing. Once you have that list, use it as a guide to help format the statement of financial need.

See also: How to write a 250 word essay

In your first sentence, introduce yourself by touching on some key demographic points about yourself. For example, you could write:

“As a first-generation college student who was raised by a single parent, I have worked as a cashier throughout high school to help pay the bills.”

These are all points that do not require too much elaboration. They can be brought up together in the first sentence to give the reader an idea of what they will be reading. Use the rest of the introduction to quickly lay out the discussion points, saving the detail for later.

Related: How to start a scholarship essay

Formatting your essay with body paragraphs

Body paragraphs are your opportunity to dive into the relevant details. Elaborate on the points that you mentioned in the introduction to give a more vivid picture of why you are having trouble paying for your education. These include extenuating circumstances, parents’ employment status, and your employment status.

In addition, you can use these paragraphs to help illustrate your sense of financial responsibility. If you have a college savings account or have taken initiatives to help yourself secure the funds for college, mention them here. Emphasize that there is still a gap between what you are expected to pay and what you are able to pay.

Also see: How to write a financial aid appeal letter

Now is the time to discuss how the increased funding would create opportunities for you. You can mention the internship that you would take if you didn’t have to work all summer to pay your tuition, or describe how one of your other financial hardships would be lightened by receiving this scholarship.

The conclusion is where you make the scholarship committee realize what they could do for you by granting you the scholarship; once you’ve established your need, use the conclusion to illustrate how important this opportunity is to you. We hope that you now know how to write a statement of financial need. Best of luck!

Submitting your statement of financial need is not a guarantee of more aid

We should also mention that submitting your statement of financial need is no guarantee that you will receive more financial aid. While students can be hopeful that they will receive an adjusted aid package, they should be prepared for their situation not changing. 

In this case, students can turn to options like scholarships , student loans , or choosing a more affordable college option. 

See also: What to do if financial aid is not enough?

Key Takeaways

• A Statement of Financial Need can be beneficial for students who know they may not be able to afford college
• Always try to be positive when writing your Statement of Financial Need
• Structure your statement in an easy to read, concise way

Frequently asked questions about how to write a statement of financial need

How is financial need determined, what is proof of need, what documents can be used in a statement of financial need, how long should a statement of financial need be, scholarships360 recommended.

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• How to Write a Scholarship Essay | Template & Example

How to Write a Scholarship Essay | Template & Example

Published on October 11, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.

A good scholarship essay demonstrates the scholarship organization’s values while directly addressing the prompt. If you plan ahead , you can save time by writing one essay for multiple prompts with similar questions.

Table of contents

Apply for a wide variety of scholarships, make a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, tailor your essay to the organization and the prompt, write a focused and relevant personal story, scholarship essay example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

Scholarships are a type of student financial aid that don’t require repayment. They are awarded based on various factors, including academic merit, financial need, intended major, personal background, or activities and interests.

Like college applications, scholarship applications often require students to submit their grades, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay.

A scholarship essay shares your values and qualities in the context of a specific question, such as “How does technology affect your daily life?” or “Who has had the greatest impact on your life?”

Be wary of scholarship scams

While some applications may not require an essay, be wary of scholarship scams that do the following:

• Guarantee you scholarship money for a fee
• Claim scholarship information is exclusive to their company
• Ask for your bank or credit card information to hold the scholarship

Some legitimate companies do charge for releasing comprehensive scholarship lists or creating a tailored list of scholarship opportunities based on your profile.

However, you can always discover scholarship opportunities for free through your school counselor, community network, or an online search.

Many students focus on well-known, large scholarship opportunities, which are usually very competitive. To maximize your chance of success, invest time in applying for a wide variety of scholarships: national and local, as well as big and small award amounts. There are also scholarships for international students .

In addition to charitable foundation and corporate scholarships, you should consider applying for institutional scholarships at your prospective universities, which can award money based on your application’s strength, your financial situation, and your demonstrated interest in the school.

Check with your guidance counselor, local organizations, community network, or prospective schools’ financial aid offices for scholarship opportunities. It’s a good idea to start applying as early as your junior year and continue throughout your senior year.

Choose the right scholarships for you

Choose scholarships with missions and essay topics that match your background, experiences, and interests. If the scholarship topic is meaningful to you, it will be easier for you to write an authentic and compelling essay.

Don’t shy away from applying for local scholarships with small dollar amounts. Even a few hundred dollars can help you pay for books.

Local scholarships may be more tailored to your community, background, and activities, so they’re likely more relevant to you. Fewer students apply for these scholarships, so you have less competition and a higher chance of success.

Some places to look for local scholarships include

• Civic organizations, such as the Rotary Club, Lions Club, etc.
• Your church, mosque, synagogue, or place of worship
• Community groups, such as the YMCA
• Ethnicity-based organizations
• Your local library or local small businesses
• Organizations related to your intended major
• Your city or town
• Your school district
• Unions, such as SEIU, the Teamsters, CWA, etc.
• Your employer or your parents’ employers
• Banks, credit unions, and local financial institutions

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

While researching scholarship opportunities, create a scholarship tracker spreadsheet to keep track of the following:

• Scholarship amounts
• Required application materials

You can use our free Google Sheets template to track your scholarship applications.

Scholarship application tracker template

You can also include scholarship essay prompts in your college essay tracker sheet . By grouping or color-code overlapping essay prompts, you can plan to write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Sometimes, you can also reuse or adapt your main college essay .

Even if you’re adapting another essay, it’s important to make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, stays within the word count limit , and demonstrates the organization’s values. The scholarship committee will be able to tell if you reuse an essay that doesn’t quite respond to the prompt, so be sure to tailor it to the questions asked.

Research each organization

Before writing, research the scholarship organization’s mission and reason for awarding the scholarship. Learning more about the organization can help you select an appropriate topic and relevant story.

While you should tailor your essay to the organization’s values, maintain your authentic voice. Never use false or exaggerated stories. If the organization’s values don’t align with yours or you can’t brainstorm a relevant story for the scholarship, continue searching for other scholarship opportunities to find a more appropriate one for you.

After researching the organization, identify a specific personal experience that embodies its values and exemplifies why you will be a successful student.

Choose a story with the following criteria:

• Responds to the prompt
• Demonstrates the organization’s values
• Includes an authentic story
• Focuses on you and your experience, not someone else’s

A good scholarship essay is not

• A resume of your achievements
• A lengthy opinion piece about the essay topic
• An essay featuring a negative tone that puts down others

If appropriate, you can briefly address how the scholarship money will help you achieve your educational goals. You should also end with a brief thank-you.

Take a look at the full essay example below. Hover over the underlined parts to read explanations of why they work.

Prompt: Describe how working for Chelsea’s Chicken restaurant has developed leadership skills that will help you succeed in college. Give specific examples of leadership characteristics that you have exhibited during your employment with us.

As a nervous 16-year-old, I walked into Chelsea’s Chicken for my first day of work determined to make enough money to put gas in my car and buy pizza on the weekends. My only previous job was mowing my neighbors’ lawns when they were on vacation, so I had no idea what to expect. I was a bit intimidated by my new responsibilities, especially handling money and helping disgruntled customers.

However, it didn’t take me long to learn my way around the cash register and successfully address customer complaints. One day, Roger, the store manager, asked me if I wanted to join Chelsea’s Chicken Leadership Training Initiative. He said he saw leadership potential in me because of my attitude with the customers and my enthusiasm for learning new job responsibilities. It surprised me because I had never thought of myself as a leader, but I quickly agreed, and Roger handed me a three-ring binder that was thicker than my math and science textbooks put together! He told me to take it home and read over it during the following week.

In that binder, I discovered that being a leader means taking the initiative, especially when the job is undesirable. One week later, I got to practice that idea when a little kid threw up in the bathroom and missed the toilet. It smelled terrible, but I stepped forward and told Roger that I would clean it up. My coworkers thought I was crazy, but I started to believe in my leadership potential.

That night as we closed the store, Roger pulled me aside in the parking lot and told me that he could tell that I had been studying the manual. He wanted to give me more responsibility, along with a dollar-per-hour pay raise. I was surprised because I had been working there for only a couple of months, but his encouragement helped me make a connection: good leadership helps other people, and it often is rewarded. I was determined to experience more of both.

Within a month, I was ready to take the Team Leader exam, which mattered because I would receive a promotion and a much bigger raise if I passed. But, when I got to work, two of the scheduled team members had called in sick. We were noticeably short-handed, and our customers weren’t happy about it.

I walked back to the lockers, put on my vest and hat, and took my place behind an open register. Customers immediately moved into my line to place their orders. Roger looked at me with surprise and asked, “Did you forget that you’re testing tonight?” I responded, “No, sir—but what’s the use of taking a leadership test if you aren’t going to lead in real life?” Roger smiled at me and nodded.

He stayed late that night after we closed so that I could leave early and still take the test. I noticed that Roger was always staying late, helping employees learn new skills. His example taught me that leaders take the initiative to develop other leaders. He gave me a clear picture of what shared leadership looks like, making room for others to grow and excel. When I asked him where he learned to do that, he said, “From the same leadership manual I gave you!”

Chelsea’s Chicken has offered me so much more than a paycheck. Because of Roger’s example, I have learned to take the initiative to care for my family and friends, such as being the first to do the dishes without my mom asking or volunteering to pick up my friend for our SAT prep course. Now, as I prepare to enter college, I have confidence in my leadership ability. I know I’m signing up for a challenging major—Biology, Pre-Med—yet I also know that Chelsea’s Chicken has helped me to develop the perseverance required to complete my studies successfully.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

A scholarship essay requires you to demonstrate your values and qualities while answering the prompt’s specific question.

After researching the scholarship organization, identify a personal experience that embodies its values and exemplifies how you will be a successful student.

Invest time in applying for various scholarships , especially local ones with small dollar amounts, which are likely easier to win and more reflective of your background and interests. It will be easier for you to write an authentic and compelling essay if the scholarship topic is meaningful to you.

You can find scholarships through your school counselor, community network, or an internet search.

You can start applying for scholarships as early as your junior year. Continue applying throughout your senior year.

Yes, but make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, respects the word count , and demonstrates the organization’s values.

If you plan ahead, you can save time by writing one scholarship essay for multiple prompts with similar questions. In a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, you can group or color-code overlapping essay prompts; then, write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Sometimes, you can even reuse or adapt your main college essay .

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Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need

Scholarship essay examples financial need are among the essential document examples that every student aspiring to obtain financial support should see. That is because the number of students aiming to get financial aid is much bigger than what scholarship providers can help, so they need to know what they should say and how open-and-shut, or specific they should be. 

In this article, we will not only provide you with several scholarship essay examples financial need , but will also explain how to write a fantastic financial need scholarship essay ( financial need scholarship statement ).

What is the Difference Between a Scholarship with Essay and a No Essay Scholarship?

What to mention in my financial need scholarship essay, scholarship essay examples financial need | introduction.

• Scholarship essay examples financial need | Body
• Scholarship essay examples financial need | Conclusion
• Tips to Make Your Financial Need Scholarship Statement Successful

Common Mistakes in Financial Need Scholarship Essay

Scholarship essay examples financial need | text.

• Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need | Images

Financial Need Scholarship Essay FAQ

Scholarships with essays are the most traditional and common form of scholarships available to students pursuing higher education.

No essay scholarships often take less work, but because there are more applicants than with scholarships with essays , your chances of winning are lower.

Many bursaries and college financial aid grants are “need-based,” meaning they are awarded to students whose financial circumstances call for extra assistance. A statement of financial need is one of the most popular essays for college scholarships because of this.

What to mention in your financial need scholarship essay basically depends on what you are asked to

The providers of scholarships with essays will always want to know about your family’s financial situation, including how much money your family makes overall if you individually contribute to it (do you have a job?, and how much more money you will need to attend your chosen institution (your “financial gap”).

If the topic of financial need scholarship essay is a little more open-ended, such as “Express how this scholarship might benefit you,” your essay should be a hybrid of a financial need statement and an essay about your academic and/or professional objectives. This is because you want to demonstrate how the award will benefit your financial situation as well as your academic or professional objectives. Anyway, you can read our scholarship essay examples financial need for a deeper understanding of this point.

When writing a scholarship essay for financial need make sure to mention the following:

• If you belong to a group that is underrepresented at college, such as an ethnic minority, or are the first person in your family to attend college,
• Any pertinent family circumstances, such as if your parents are refugees or immigrants, in addition to your parents’ work and the number of children/family members they financially support.
• How you are paying for your college, including any financial contributions you are making on your own (such as working student jobs).
• How much financial hardship your family is experiencing, for example, if a parent just lost their job?

If you still have some difficulties knowing what to include, don’t worry. Scholarship essay examples financial need will make it more clear.

Template to Structure Financial Need Scholarship Statement

A financial need scholarship essay contains the following parts:

1- Introduction

Briefly introduce yourself, emphasizing any familial characteristics that would cause you to belong to an underrepresented group in college.

• I am an American of the first generation and the 1st in my family to attend college. When I was six years old, my family fled the violence in El Salvador and moved to New York.
• My family is from the working class in Minnesota. We never had much, but we worked together to put food on the table. My brothers and I all had weekend jobs to help support the family while my parents both worked full-time (my father worked as a mechanic while my mother worked as a receptionist at a nearby gym).

The body of your financial need scholarship essay must include your financial constraints and difficulties

Here is the right place to dive into details. What current plans do you have to pay for college? The purpose of this is to demonstrate that, despite your best efforts and those of your family, you have been unable to make enough money to cover your tuition.

Provide information about your parents’ jobs, any savings (such as a 529 College Savings Account), as well as any student jobs. You could also talk about any unexpected circumstances that have derailed your initial financial objectives, such as a parent becoming extremely ill or losing their job.

Scholarship essay examples financial need | Body:

My parents had to take low-paying jobs because they are immigrants with poor English skills. My mother works as a housekeeper, while my father works as an Uber driver. They barely make enough money to cover our rent and buy food, so I’ve always known they couldn’t help me pay for my education.

I have thus made effort to earn and save my own money. I’ve done odd jobs (such as mowing my neighbors’ lawns) since I was 11 years old. I began working at a supermarket after school and on weekends when I was 15 years old. I’ve saved approximately $3000 throughout the duration of all these jobs. Yet even with my grants for financial assistance, I must spend an additional $8000 per year to attend college.

3- Conclusion

In this part of the financial need scholarship statement students usually mention how these scholarships with essays would help them in the long run.

Make it clearer by concluding your narrative. Explain how you intend to use the financial assistance if you win this scholarship. What advantages do you expect from this award? What will you spend the money on, and how will it aid you in achieving your academic and/or professional objectives?

Review boards for scholarships with essays want to ensure that their funds will be used wisely, supporting a student who has specific future goals and the will and tenacity to pursue those goals. This is comparable to a condensed, one-paragraph version of the essay “Why do you deserve this bursary?”

Scholarship essay examples financial need | conclusion

• I would take on less student debts and be able to cover the financial gap if I won the $5000 award. As I intend to study social work and eventually work in a position that supports my community, this is extremely important for me. Yet, paying off substantial college loans would be challenging due to how low-paying these jobs are. your bursary would enable me to continue on this road and eventually serve my community without incurring debt that I can’t afford.
• I want to study human biology at UC San Diego, where I’ve been accepted, and then I want to become a nurse practitioner. I am aware that becoming a pre-med student would be a significant academic challenge, and this award would allow me to concentrate on my coursework rather than my financial situation. The $2000 grant is equal to around 150 hours of student job working. I can now devote 150 of those hours to studying, obtaining my degree, and working toward my objectives.

Conclude in a short and Respectful Tone.

Be careful not to beg for money when writing a scholarship essay . Eliminate emotionalism. Maintain a formal and courteous tone. Financial assistance and bursaries are not inherent rights but privileges. However, the opportunities that they provide to students are priceless.

Example: Thank you for giving my application some consideration. Looking forward to talking with you about my opportunities with you. 

It is a great responsibility for institutions and funding sources to decide who should get prizes. One of the tools they use is a financial need scholarship essay . So, students must make it as “sharp” as possible.

There are a number of significant mistakes that you might make while writing a scholarship essay .

• Whining. Don’t talk about how poor you are, how much you need money, or how difficult it is to support your elderly parents or a brother who is disabled. Everyone can experience this, but complaining about it in a strong financial need scholarship essay is not appropriate. Demonstrate that you have instead learned how to go over the difficulties.
• Non-challenging challenge. Everyone has certain hardships and particular experiences. Ensure the reader will find your hardships interesting when you discuss them.
• Trying to sound philosophical. Avoid attempting to sound philosophical. Some students will engage in this behavior in an effort to appear more intelligent, although this seldom happens. When writing a scholarship essay, just concentrate on crafting great content and proofreading it. That alone demonstrates sufficient intelligence.
• Despising other candidates. Respect the suffering of others. Even if these are essay scholarship contests , you shouldn’t despise your opponents. Indeed, it would be preferable to say, “I realize there are many deserving applicants for this scholarship, but…” rather than, “I have endured far more than…” Be respectful in all of your writing.
• Very general essays. In certain circumstances, you need to submit many financial need essays to be considered for a variety of funding opportunities. That is OK, however, each program requires a different financial needs essay. Don’t create a general essay with several sponsoring organizations’ names on it.

Checking scholarship essay examples financial need can help you avoid making a lot of mistakes.

Tips to Make financial Need Scholarship Statement Successful

You need to follow these tips when writing a scholarship essay:

• Be organized . Provide a logical framework for your financial need scholarship essay Create an outline that allows you to organize your categories and ideas. Get advice from others on what to include. Ask for input from parents, teachers, as well as other people you trust. Avoid being wordy yet still including just enough information to be thorough and meaningful.
• Begin early . Don’t put off writing a scholarship essay until the last minute. It could be your ideal opportunity to explain why you should be eligible for financial help or a scholarship. It is a crucial document that distinguishes you from other applicants. Give it enough thought to perfectly reflect who you are, showcase your writing skills, and highlight your accomplishments.
• Be reflective and personal . Inform the readers of your financial need scholarship statement   about yourself. Provide them with the information you want them to know about you. Tell them about your family, your experiences in the past, and how those things inspired you to continue your education. Describe how your experiences in both your academic and professional life have helped you learn about your field. Explain the personal events that have aided in your goal-setting.
• Be genuine . Write about yourself and the things that truly matter to you. Avoid attempting to write what you believe the audience wants to read. If you’re not being truthful, the admissions committee will immediately notice. Since they have read so many scholarship essays, they are able to tell sincerity from lying. Be sincere about your financial condition. Your ability to get financial aid in the future may be impacted by any inaccurate or misleading information. Demonstrate your actual aspirations, achievements, and strengths.
• Steer clear of humor and cliches . Keep in mind that the readers of the financial need scholarship essay do not know you. It’s better to refrain from using humor in this essay since they might not get it. To make the application essay more convincing and specific, stay away from clichés. Give specific information about yourself and your experience rather than claiming to be a”jack of all trades” or a “people person”.
• Check scholarship essay examples financial need: Checking scholarship essay examples financial need can make writing an essay scholarship more professional, as it is a good opportunity to benefit from others’ expertise.
• Provide detailed examples . Provide concrete examples to support any broad claims you make about yourself. For example, if you say that you are at ease among individuals from various backgrounds, include details to Reinforce your claim. Maybe you’ve tutored English as a Second Language, or you grew up in a military household and moved around a lot. Provide specific examples of your leadership and motivation. Describe how you plan to use your education to achieve your goals.
• Allocate time for revisions . You need to keep in mind that a financial need scholarship statement should go through several drafts. Solicit the opinions of others. Show it, for instance, to campus people like professors, advisors, peers, as well as teaching assistants. Clarity and content should be revised. Double-check your punctuation, grammar, as well as spelling. Making scholarship essay examples about yourself can also be beneficial.
• Show enthusiasm: Remember to show optimism when writing a scholarship essay . Even though sharing your financial situation is not the most positive thing, writing about how these difficulties have given you grit and resilience enables you to turn it around in a positive way.

For the above-mentioned tips, we will give you scholarship essay examples financial need as a text and as an image.

Example of Financial Need Scholarship Essay | 1

[Heading (with date & address)]

September 2, 2023 Mr. Name Financial Aid Committee 9498 Name of the University, CA 90013

[Formal address (use “Sir” or “Madam” if unknown)]

Dear Mr. Smith.

[Who you are]

My name is Garry Adams. I’m a sophomore pursuing a psychology bachelor’s degree.

[Reasons you require financial assistance]

Since I have no family to help me pay for my education and am unable to work full-time while putting my academics first and keeping decent marks, I need financial assistance.

[Your background]

After my parents died in a catastrophic automobile accident when I was a little child, I spent my whole childhood in the foster care system. The foster parents I had over the years were loving and considerate, but they weren’t really supportive of higher education since they believed it made more sense to enter the profession straight immediately. Yet I had bigger goals for myself.

[Your academic record]

I graduated with a GPA of 3.8 with the goal of earning a degree rather than being limited to entry-level positions.

[Your current financial condition (and explanation of your need for financial assistance )]

I work as a waiter six evenings a week as a part-time job, but I just make enough to pay my bills. I am able to cover a small portion of the tuition for the following year, but I am unable to cover the entire cost by myself because of the additional expenses of books, supplies, and course fees.

[How getting financial aid will help you]

I am completely committed to my education, and getting financial aid would enable me to concentrate on my study in order to graduate with a strong GPA and submit an application to graduate school.

[Career objectives]

My career objective is to be a child psychologist in order to help youngsters who are going through challenging life situations that are similar to my own childhood.

[Closing statement]

I appreciate you taking this into account. I’m eager to talk about potential future educational opportunities. 

Sincerely, 

Example of Financial Need Scholarship Essay | 2

Since I was a little child, I have experienced the influence that education has on everyone. Due to their need to maintain themselves, my parents were unable to attend college. Their career was impacted, and they will feel the effects of their education deficit for the rest of their life. Although my parents tried their best to implant a love of study in me, our family has never been particularly rich.

Earlier, I had to work about 18 hours a week to sustain myself. I tried to minimize the financial burden on my parents, who covered the majority of the tuition costs. Their earnings were cut in half as a result of the lockdown. Therefore, I will have to work harder or leave college.

In addition, the curriculum for the next year will include more subjects. I won’t be able to work as much going forward for that reason. Although I could work late into the night, I worry it would just make my outcomes worse. I’ll do my best to complete all of the assignments, whatever.

If I get the scholarship, I’ll have plenty of time to focus on my academics. Actually, this grant will be the impetus for my academic achievement.

My main goals include completing my education, helping people, and getting an excellent profession.

 I will be very grateful for your kind consideration.

Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need | PDF/Images

The previous Scholarship Essay Examples of Financial Need demonstrates the generic structure of financial need scholarship essay. However, how detailed your financial need scholarship essay should be depends on what you are requested to write about. For example, if you are requested to describe your financial need for the scholarship in brief, you can say something similar to the following example:

Whereas, if you are reqested to tell about your need for the scholarship, you can write something similar to this scholarship essay example:

We will demonstrate another scholarship essay example at the end of the article.

How should I describe a financial need?

There is no one correct way to explain why you need funding. Every situation is distinct. Every person may have their own set of circumstances. Students typically seek scholarships with essays since they aren’t yet able to work full-time. As a result, they are unable to pay for the desired program.

How should I write a financial need scholarship essay?

When you apply for a scholarship, you must demonstrate your deservingness of the funding. Describe your academic background and show your eagerness and genuine enthusiasm for learning. Look at the examples and templates that are accessible online if you wish to get selected for the program. You must emphasize your motivation and strengths. Have a look at scholarship essay examples financial need to better understand what to include.

How to begin a financial need scholarship statement ?

When writing a scholarship essay, it’s probably not a good idea to start with the declaration of financial need itself. Instead, show your intense drive, even passion first. Describe your background in a few sentences, emphasizing your relevant education and professional experience. Acknowledge that financial support would enable you to succeed.

Checking Scholarship essay examples financial need can give you answers to most of your questions.

Scholarships with essays are among the best ways to make your first step toward your career excellence. So before writing a scholarship essay, you need to make sure that you are ready to make it stand out.

Reading essay scholarship examples financial need is an essential step in writing a scholarship essay because it can expand your horizons and help you to decide what to include in your scholarship essay. So, writing a scholarship essay can be much easier.

Another important step is to write scholarship essay examples about yourself and choose the best one.

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12 Winning Scholarship Essay Examples for Aspiring Students

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Practical Scholarship Essay Prompts For Students in 2023

Scholarships can be the key to your dreams of higher education, but the process often begins with one crucial step - the scholarship essay. 

A scholarship essay is not just another requirement. It is your chance to stand out from the competition and convince the selection committee that you are the perfect candidate deserving of their support.

However, crafting a winning scholarship essay is not an easy task. You are in competition with hundreds of applicants, and you need to get a lot of things right to stand out.

But don’t worry; reading some winning samples can help you understand how to write better scholarship essays. 

This blog presents 12 remarkable scholarship essay examples to inspire your success. These real-life essays, written by scholarship recipients, offer invaluable insights and strategies to help you secure funding for your education. 

So read on!

• 1. Financial Need Scholarship Essay Example for College
• 2. Leadership Scholarship Essay Examples
• 3. Scholarship Essay Example for Engineering
• 4. Nursing Scholarship Essay Example 
• 5. Scholarship Essay About Yourself
• 6. Winning Scholarship Essay Examples
• 7. Tips to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay 

Financial Need Scholarship Essay Example for College

Students often apply for financial assistance scholarships for their college education. Such scholarships require you to provide compelling reasons as to why you deserve financial aid. 

Here is an example that successfully caters to this question:

Why This Scholarship Essay Succeeded

This scholarship essay effectively conveys the applicant's financial need while also highlighting their determination and commitment to education. Here are some key elements that contributed to its success:

• Personal Story: The essay starts with a personal story about growing up in a single-parent household, providing context for the financial need. This makes the essay relatable and emotionally engaging.
• Specific Financial Challenges: The essay details the specific financial challenges the applicant faces, such as tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. Specificity adds credibility to the financial need.
• Explains the Significance of the Scholarship for Education: The essay explains how receiving the scholarship would positively impact the applicant's education, allowing them to focus more on studies and extracurricular activities.

Leadership Scholarship Essay Examples

When applying to programs for training young leaders, they often require you to write an essay. Here is a leadership scholarship essay sample:

Why This Scholarship Essay Worked

This leadership scholarship essay effectively showcases the applicant's leadership journey, growth, and suitability for the scholarship. Here are some key elements that contributed to its success:

• Personal Growth: The essay highlights the applicant's personal growth and development through their leadership experiences, demonstrating a clear understanding of what leadership entails.
• Specific Examples: The applicant provides specific examples of challenges faced and initiatives undertaken as a leader, adding credibility to their claims.
• Lessons Learned: The essay discusses the lessons learned, emphasizing qualities such as communication, teamwork, and empathy, which are essential for effective leadership.
• Alignment with Scholarship: The essay explains how the scholarship will support the applicant's continued leadership growth and commitment to making a positive impact.

Scholarship Essay Example for Engineering

Engineering schools have a strong vetting process to ensure that they only let in serious students. Writing a scholarship essay is their way of judging a student’s interests and capabilities. 

Check out this catchy sample:

Why this Engineering Scholarship Essay Worked

Here are some key elements that contributed to the essay’s success:

• Passion and Dedication: The essay clearly communicates the applicant's deep passion for engineering, emphasizing their lifelong commitment to the field.
• Specific Examples: The applicant provides specific examples of their experiences in engineering, such as the cooling system project and the sustainable housing initiative, demonstrating their practical application of engineering skills.
• Financial Need: The essay briefly touches upon the financial challenges faced by the applicant, which adds context to their need for financial support.
• Impact and Contribution: The essay discusses how receiving the scholarship will enable the applicant to focus more on their studies and research projects, emphasizing their desire to contribute meaningfully to the field of engineering.

Nursing Scholarship Essay Example 

Nursing institutions require hard-working and committed pupils. That’s why the scholarship essay is an essential part of their application process.

So, what does a good nursing scholarship essay look like? Here’s an example:

Why This Nursing Scholarship Essay Succeeded

This nursing scholarship essay effectively conveys the applicant's passion for nursing and their commitment to patient-centered care. Here are some key elements that contributed to its success:

• Passion for Nursing: The essay clearly communicates the applicant's passion for nursing, emphasizing personal experiences that ignited this passion.
• Continuous Learning: The essay highlights the applicant's commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth, which is essential in the nursing field.
• Community Engagement: The applicant showcases their involvement in community health initiatives and volunteering, demonstrating a dedication to improving healthcare beyond the clinical setting.
• Leadership Experience: The essay discusses leadership roles within the nursing program, emphasizing the applicant's understanding of nursing as a leadership role in healthcare.
• Impactful Clinical Experience: The inclusion of the palliative care unit experience adds a unique perspective. It also adds an emotionally resonant dimension to the essay, highlighting the applicant's dedication to patient-centered care.

Scholarship Essay About Yourself

Some scholarship essays require a more personal touch. Scholarship committees are interested to learn about your experiences and how you express them. 

Here is an example of an essay focusing on the applicant’s life experiences.

This scholarship essay effectively highlights the applicant's personal experiences and qualities that make them a suitable candidate for the scholarship. Here are some key elements that contributed to its success:

• Values and Background: The essay begins by establishing the applicant's background and values, emphasizing the importance of education and family sacrifices.
• Academic Excellence: The applicant showcases their commitment to academic excellence, including being named valedictorian, which adds credibility to their dedication to learning.
• Passion and Career Goals: The essay highlights the applicant's interest in psychology and mental health, revealing their career aspirations and a deep sense of purpose.
• Courage to Grow: The essay concludes with a strong commitment to education and the desire to use it as a tool for positive change in their community.

Winning Scholarship Essay Examples

You have read five scholarship essay examples with a complete analysis of why they were successful. Here are some more excellent examples that stand out due to similar reasons.

Read these samples and ask yourself, can you figure out why these essays catch the readers’ attention?

Sample Scholarship Essays

Sometimes, scholarship essays require a limited word count. You should always read the instructions and requirements of an essay before writing. 

Here are two scholarship essay samples with different word limits.

500-Words Scholarship Essay Example About Career Goals

250 Words Scholarship Essay Example

Scholarship Essay Examples for Different Academic Levels

These scholarship essay examples cater to various academic levels. They demonstrate how students at different stages of their education can craft successful essays.

Scholarship Essay Example For High School Students

Scholarship Essay Example For College Application

Masters Scholarship Essay Example For Students

Scholarship Essay Examples - Why You Deserve This

These examples focus on explaining why the applicants deserve the scholarship, emphasizing their qualifications, achievements, and aspirations.

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Example

Why Should You Receive This Scholarship

There are many different prompts you can be assigned for your scholarship essay, so better be prepared. Check out this list of scholarship essay prompts to get a better idea!

Tips to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay 

The following are some useful tips and suggestions for writing a successful scholarship essay:

• Understand the Prompt: Carefully read and understand the essay prompt. Ensure that your response directly addresses the specific questions or topics provided. Tailor your essay to the scholarship's requirements.
• Plan and Organize: Start with an essay outline . Identify key points you want to cover and the structure of your essay. A well-organized essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion is more engaging and easier to follow.
• Be Authentic: Be true to yourself and your experiences. Authenticity resonates with scholarship committees. Share your genuine motivations, goals, and challenges, as it makes your essay more relatable.
• Address Your Audience: Consider your audience, that is the scholarship selection committees. Tailor your essay to their expectations and values, emphasizing how you align with the scholarship's mission and goals.
• Highlight Achievements and Impact: Showcase your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular, and discuss the impact they've had on your life and your community. Explain how the scholarship will enable you to achieve even more.
• Express Your Passion: Demonstrate your passion for your field of study or the cause the scholarship supports. Explain why you are deeply committed and how the scholarship will help you make a significant contribution.
• Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to any specific instructions or requirements provided by the scholarship organization. Failure to comply with guidelines can lead to disqualification.
• Revise and Rewrite: After an initial draft, take time to revise and rewrite your essay. Don't hesitate to make substantial changes if necessary to improve clarity, coherence, and impact.
• Seek Feedback: Have someone else, such as a teacher, mentor, or family member, review your essay. Fresh perspectives can identify areas for improvement.

To conclude,

These essay examples were a good way to start. You’ve read and learnt the qualities that made them successful. Now, it’s your time to apply what you’ve learnt to your own scholarship essays.

Remember, crafting a winning scholarship essay takes time and effort. Be authentic and convey your aspirations, achievements, and the impact you hope to make. With dedication and these valuable tips, you can create a compelling scholarship essay that helps you achieve your education goals.

In addition, we understand that writing a scholarship essay can be incredibly difficult due to the high stakes. But don’t let the stress takeover, let our professional scholarship essay writing service handle it. 

Our expert writers have written hundreds of successful scholarship essays with a high rate of success. Trust our write my essay website to craft a stand-out scholarship essay and achieve your academic goals!

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5 Best Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples

• by Precious Ejimofor
• March 30, 2024

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Many students face the challenge of financing their studies when pursuing higher education. Scholarships can be a lifeline, providing financial support to deserving individuals. However, students must submit a compelling essay explaining their financial need to secure these scholarships.

In this blog post, we will explore what makes a good statement of financial need, how to describe your financial need effectively, tips for writing a strong financial need essay, and provide five outstanding financial need scholarship essay examples. By the end, you’ll have valuable insights to help you stand out in scholarship applications .

What is a Good Statement of Financial Need?

A good statement of financial need is a clear and compelling narrative that effectively conveys your financial situation and explains why you require financial assistance for your education. When writing a statement of financial need, it’s important to create a well-structured and honest document that resonates with scholarship committees or financial aid providers. Here are the key elements that make a statement of financial need effective:

• Honesty and Transparency: Be open and honest about your financial circumstances. Scholarship committees appreciate genuine narratives. Provide accurate and verifiable information about your financial situation, including details about your family’s income, expenses, assets, and any outstanding debts.
• Clarity: Use clear and concise language to explain your financial need. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms that may confuse the reader. Make your statement easy to understand.
• Relevance: Ensure that your statement directly relates to the scholarship or financial aid program you are applying for . Tailor your statement to address the scholarship provider’s specific goals, values, or criteria.
• Specific Figures: Use specific figures and examples to illustrate your financial need. Include numbers representing your financial situation, such as annual income, expected educational expenses, and outstanding debts. This helps scholarship committees understand the magnitude of your need.
• Explain Changes: If your financial situation has recently changed due to unexpected circumstances (e.g., job loss, medical expenses, family changes), explain these changes and how they have affected your ability to pay for education.
• Financial Independence: If you are financially independent from your parents or guardians, clarify this in your statement. Mention any responsibilities or financial obligations you have that affect your ability to pay for college .
• Impact on Education: Explain how your financial need directly impacts your pursuit of education. Describe the challenges or obstacles you face in financing your education, such as tuition costs, textbooks, housing, or other educational expenses.
• Efforts to Cover Costs: If you are taking steps to cover educational costs, such as working part-time, applying for other scholarships, or seeking financial aid options, mention these efforts to show your commitment to funding your education.
• Personal Impact: Discuss how receiving financial assistance or a scholarship positively impacts your life and academic or career goals. Explain how it would alleviate the financial burden and enable you to focus on your studies.
• Gratitude and Determination: Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the scholarship or financial aid program. Convey your determination to succeed in your educational pursuits despite financial challenges.

Remember that scholarship committees or financial aid providers want to support students who genuinely need assistance and are committed to their educational goals. Craft your statement of financial need with sincerity and clarity, ensuring that it aligns with the specific requirements and objectives of the scholarship or financial aid program you are applying to.

How to Describe Your Financial Need for a Scholarship

Describing your financial need for a scholarship effectively requires clear and concise communication of your financial situation and challenges. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to describe your financial need in a scholarship application:

• Before you start writing, gather all relevant financial information, including details about your family’s income, expenses, assets, and any outstanding debts. Having concrete figures will help you provide accurate information.
• Honesty is key. Provide truthful and transparent information about your financial situation. Scholarship committees value authenticity.
• Use specific numbers to illustrate your financial need. Include annual income, expected educational expenses (tuition, books, housing), and outstanding loans or debts. Specific figures add credibility to your statement.
• If there have been recent changes in your financial situation, such as a job loss, medical expenses, or other unexpected events, explain them. Describe how these changes have affected your ability to pay for education.
• If you depend on your parents or guardians, clarify their financial situation and any limitations they face in supporting your education. If you’re financially independent, explain your circumstances and responsibilities.
• Describe the specific educational expenses you face, including tuition costs, textbooks, supplies, housing, transportation, and other relevant costs. Highlight the financial burden these expenses place on you and your family.
• If you are taking steps to cover educational costs , mention them. For example, explain these efforts if you are working part-time, applying for part-time jobs, seeking other scholarships, or exploring financial aid options. It shows your commitment to funding your education.
• Articulate how your financial need directly affects your pursuit of education. Discuss the challenges or obstacles you face in financing your education and how they may impact your ability to focus on your studies.
• Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the scholarship. Convey your determination to succeed in your academic or career goals despite financial challenges. Emphasize how receiving financial assistance would positively impact your life.
• While providing detailed information is important, avoid including irrelevant or excessive details. Keep your statement focused on the specific financial need related to your education.
• After writing your financial need statement, ask trusted individuals, such as teachers, mentors, or counselors, to review and provide feedback. They can help ensure clarity and effectiveness.
• Carefully proofread your statement for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your statement is clear and well-organized.

Remember that scholarship committees are looking for deserving candidates who genuinely need financial assistance and are committed to their educational goals. By effectively describing your financial need clearly, honestly, and well-structured, you increase your chances of standing out and securing the scholarship you’re applying for.

How to Write a Financial Need Essay

Writing a compelling financial need essay requires a combination of honesty, transparency, and a clear understanding of the scholarship’s criteria. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting an effective financial need essay:

• Gather Information and Understand the Prompt: Before you start writing, gather all relevant financial documents, such as income tax returns, pay stubs, and scholarship or grant records. Carefully read the scholarship essay prompt or guidelines to understand the specific criteria they are looking for.
• Create an Outline: Develop an outline that structures your essay logically and is organized. Consider the following points:
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state your financial need.
• Body Paragraphs: Elaborate on your financial situation, providing specific examples and quantifiable figures.
• Impact of Financial Need: Describe how your financial constraints have affected your education and life.
• Efforts to Reduce Burden: Highlight any steps you have taken to manage your finances or reduce reliance on external support.
• Connection to Goals: Explain how overcoming financial challenges has motivated you and how the scholarship would enable you to achieve your goals.
• Conclusion: Restate your financial need and emphasize your potential to impact positively.
• Narrate Your Financial Situation: Instead of simply listing financial limitations, weave your story around your financial need. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate how your financial constraints have affected your educational pursuits, but also emphasize how you have managed to persevere despite these obstacles.
• Quantify Your Financial Need: Provide concrete figures to support your claims. Mention your family’s income, tuition and living expenses, and any outstanding debts or financial obligations.
• Highlight Efforts to Reduce Burden: Demonstrate that you have taken proactive steps to manage your finances and reduce reliance on external support. Mention any part-time jobs you hold, scholarships you have applied for, or cost-saving measures you have implemented.
• Emphasize the Impact on Your Education: Explain how your financial constraints have impacted your ability to participate in your education fully. Describe any missed opportunities, sacrifices, or limitations you have faced due to your financial situation.
• Connect Your Financial Need to Your Goals: Frame your financial hardship as a motivator rather than a barrier. Explain how overcoming financial challenges has strengthened your resolve to succeed and how the scholarship would enable you to achieve your educational and career aspirations.
• Maintain a Positive and Optimistic Tone: Avoid dwelling on negative aspects or portraying yourself as a victim of circumstances. Instead, focus on your resilience, determination, and the positive impact you plan to make with the support of the scholarship .
• Proofread and Seek Feedback: Ask a trusted friend, mentor, or teacher to review your essay and provide constructive feedback. Ensure your essay is well-organized, grammatically correct, and free of any errors that could detract from your message.

Now, let’s explore five exceptional financial need scholarship essay examples:

Example 1: Overcoming Financial Hardship

Growing up in a low-income household, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of making ends meet. My parents worked multiple jobs to provide for our family, but it was never enough. We often had to choose between buying groceries or paying rent. Despite these challenges, my parents never gave up on their dreams for me. They instilled the importance of education and encouraged me to pursue my goals, no matter the obstacles.

My financial hardship has shaped me into the determined and resilient individual I am today. I have always been a hard worker, taking on part-time jobs and maintaining a high GPA despite the distractions and limitations of my environment. I have also actively participated in extracurricular activities, such as the debate team and the community service club, where I developed my leadership skills and dedication to serving others.

My financial situation has not only impacted my personal life but also my academic pursuits. Due to financial constraints, I often had to forgo purchasing textbooks or attending essential conferences. However, I have never let these limitations hinder my desire to learn. I have sought alternative resources, such as online libraries and public lectures, to expand my knowledge and enhance my learning experience.

Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my education and be a powerful affirmation of my potential and aspirations. It would provide me with the resources and opportunities to fully immerse myself in my studies, engage in cutting-edge research, and prepare myself to make a meaningful contribution to society.

Example 2: The Impact of Limited Resources

The limited financial resources available to my family have had a profound impact on my educational opportunities. Growing up, I often had to choose between buying textbooks or paying for essential school supplies. Due to the associated costs, I have also had to forgo extracurricular activities and social events. Despite these constraints, I have always been determined to maximize my education.

I have consistently maintained a high GPA, taking challenging courses and excelling in my studies. I have also sought out opportunities to expand my knowledge beyond the classroom, participating in research projects and attending seminars on topics that interest me. My passion for learning has driven me to overcome the limitations imposed by my financial situation.

My financial need has shaped my academic journey and influenced my personal growth. I have learned to be resourceful, find creative ways to manage my finances, and maximize my limited resources. I have also developed a strong sense of empathy and compassion, understanding the challenges faced by others who struggle with financial hardship.

Receiving this scholarship would give me the financial support I need to realize my academic and personal potential fully. It would allow me to purchase the necessary resources for my studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and pursue research opportunities to enhance my learning experience.

Example 3: Finding Creative Solutions

Despite facing significant financial challenges, I have found creative solutions to overcome my limitations and advance my education. I have secured scholarships and grants through hard work and academic dedication. I have also worked part-time to supplement my income and contribute to my educational expenses. I have also sought affordable educational options, such as attending community college for the first two years of my undergraduate studies.

My financial need has motivated me to be resourceful and proactive in managing my finances. I have developed a strict budget and have learned to prioritize my spending. I have also explored cost-saving measures, such as utilizing public transportation, cooking meals at home, and seeking out secondhand textbooks.

My financial situation has shaped my financial habits and influenced my academic choices. I have carefully considered the financial implications of each academic decision, such as selecting in-state schools and pursuing majors with strong career prospects. I have also sought out mentorship from individuals who have faced similar financial challenges and have learned valuable strategies for success.

Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial freedom to focus on my studies and pursue my academic passions without the constant burden of financial worries. It would allow me to engage fully in my academic journey, participate in research opportunities, and explore potential career paths.

Example 4: A Vision for a Brighter Future

Despite financial hardship, I have always clearly envisioned a brighter future. I am driven by a strong desire to succeed and make a positive impact on the world. I aspire to pursue a career in [your field of interest], where I can contribute to groundbreaking research, develop innovative solutions, and make a tangible impact on the lives of others.

My financial situation has not diminished my ambition or determination. It has instead fueled my desire to achieve my goals and overcome any obstacles that may arise. I have learned to be adaptable and resilient, facing challenges head-on and finding creative ways to overcome them.

I believe that education is the key to unlocking my potential and achieving my dreams. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to pursue my educational aspirations fully and significantly contribute to society. It would allow me to attend a top-tier institution, engage in cutting-edge research, and prepare myself to become a leader in my field.

I am confident that my academic achievements, research experience, and demonstrated leadership skills make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. I am eager to continue my education and dedicate myself to pursuing my passion in [your field of interest]. I envision a future where I can utilize my expertise to [describe how you plan to make a positive impact]. I am committed to collaborating with others, sharing my knowledge, and contributing to the collective pursuit of a better future.

Example 5: Making a Difference Despite Limitations

Despite my financial limitations, I have always been driven by a strong desire to impact my community positively. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, regardless of their circumstances. I have actively participated in community service throughout my life, volunteering my time and skills to organizations that support underserved communities.

I have volunteered at the local homeless shelter, providing meals and assistance to those in need. I have also participated in tutoring programs, helping children from low-income families succeed in their studies. These experiences have instilled a deep sense of empathy and compassion and strengthened my commitment to social justice.

My financial need has not only shaped my personal values but also influenced my academic choices. I have chosen to pursue a major in [your field of interest] because of its potential to address pressing social and environmental challenges. I am particularly interested in [describe a specific area of interest within your field].

Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to pursue my educational goals and make a meaningful contribution to society. It would allow me to attend a university with a strong emphasis on social responsibility and engage in research that addresses real-world problems. I am committed to using my education and skills to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

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When writing a financial need scholarship essay, these five essay examples demonstrate the importance of honesty, transparency, and a clear connection between financial need and personal goals. By effectively conveying your financial situation and its impact on your educational pursuits, you can increase your chances of receiving the support you need to achieve your academic and personal aspirations.

Crafting a compelling financial need scholarship essay requires honesty, clarity, and a persuasive narrative. Following the tips outlined in this blog post and drawing inspiration from the provided scholarship essay examples, you can create an essay that effectively communicates your financial need, aspirations, and determination to pursue higher education. Remember that scholarship committees appreciate authenticity, so share your story sincerely. Best of luck with your scholarship applications!

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How to Write a Financial Aid Statement

Last Updated: February 1, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Michael R. Lewis . Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 555,830 times.

The financial aid statement is a simple, short piece of writing that students may include on a financial aid letter, in an essay, or in other communications to a financial aid department. The financial aid statement may not be a full communication on its own, but rather an element of a more complex financial aid appeal. If you need to write such a statement in order to reach out to a university or college's financial aid office, follow some basic steps.

Sample Statements and Things to Include

Writing a Statement of Financial Need

• For example, you could write the following: “My parents moved to the United States from Albania in order to give us better opportunities. As their oldest child, I will be the first in our family to attend college.”

• For example, write something like this: “I have worked to help support my family since I was 16 years old. Currently, I work on the weekends as a waitress to support myself. My parents also give me what they can each month. Since my parents didn’t speak English when we moved here, it was very difficult for them to support our family. My mother worked many hours as a housekeeper in a hotel. They saved what they could, but we do not have enough savings to pay for my college education."

• For example: “My earnings from my weekend job cover my living expenses. I worked extra shifts over the summer and saved enough to pay for a portion of this year’s tuition. However, I am seeking aid for the portion of the tuition I cannot cover on my own.”

• For example: “Receiving financial aid will allow me to focus on my studies during the week without having to worry about earning extra money. I would continue to work on the weekends to cover my living expenses, but I would be able to keep the weekdays free to focus solely on my school work.”

• For example: “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my opportunities with you.”

Writing a Statement for a Scholarship

• For example: “I am applying for this scholarship in order to further my studies in education. My long-term goal is to work as an ESL teacher in an inner city environment. My academic, work and personal experiences have lead me to this career goal.”

• For example: “I graduated from my undergraduate institution with a 4.0 GPA. I had a double major of Elementary Education and Spanish, with a minor in Sociology. I applied for and received a prestigious internship working with the state government on developing educational policies.”

• For example: “My parents moved our family to this country from Albania when I was 12 years old. I did not speak any English when we arrived. The ESL teachers in my school helped me to be successful in school, and I want to do the same for other students in my circumstances.”

• For example: “Each summer, I volunteer for the Migrant Workers Education Association in Chester County, Pennsylvania. They service migrant workers who come here from Mexico to work on mushroom farms. We not only link families with community services, but we also tutor children in English and help them learn important school skills that will allow them to be successful in school.”

• For example: “My experiences as an ESL student and an English tutor have taught me the value of helping children to feel successful and empowered. I know the meaning of hard work, and I have learned how to overcome challenges in my own personal and academic life.”

Making Your Personal Statement Successful

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ http://www.bestvalueschools.com/faq/what-is-a-statement-of-financial-need/
• ↑ https://www.goingmerry.com/blog/how-to-write-a-scholarship-essay-or-statement-about-your-financial-need-with-examples/
• ↑ https://www.laguardia.edu/uploadedfiles/main_site/content/supporters_friends/docs/scholarship_personal_statement.pdf
• ↑ https://scholarships360.org/financial-aid/how-to-write-a-statement-of-financial-need/
• ↑ https://custom-writing.org/blog/financial-needs-essay
• ↑ http://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/scholarships/tips/personal.html

About This Article

If you’re writing a statement of financial need, make it personal by sharing information about yourself and what's motivating you to pursue your studies. Try to be authentic, to write honestly about what you've already accomplished and what you hope to do with your education. Use specific examples if you can to reinforce the points you're trying to make. Finally, be sure to start your first draft early enough to get feedback from teachers or advisers and make revisions before you submit it. For more advice from our reviewer, including how to write a statement for a scholarship, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Scholarship Essays

Describe Your Financial Need for this Scholarship Essay Sample

Briefly describe your financial need for this scholarship.

I am in need of financial assistance in order to attend college because I am a low-income student. I am the 1st child to attend the college. Although my parents gave me many supports, I received a limited financial assistance due to low family income. To reduce family burden, I took out student loans to pay for my tuitions. Meanwhile, I am working 19 hours per week on campus to support myself. However, with the increasing tuitions this year, I am facing more challenges on financial need. As a senior in Petroleum Engineering, I wish to spend more time on my major courses because these courses are cores of my major and crucial in my future career. Unfortunately, financial burden may lessen my time on mastering the courses. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate a helping hand so that I can successfully obtain my engineering degree.

Awarding this scholarship will make great contribution to my study in Louisiana State University. This scholarship would allow me to work less and focus more on my studies. Meanwhile, this scholarship will support me to do more on community service and explore my potential in assisting the needs of people. Furthermore, receiving this scholarship will give me more opportunities to attend the conference and expose to newly developed technology. Additionally, awarding this scholarship would further motivate me to pursue academic excellence

Original Source: Essay Forum

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, personal statement for financial aid: what are some good examples.

Hey everyone, I'm currently working on my financial aid application and I'm stuck at writing a personal statement. Can anyone share some examples of personal statements that have worked for them? I could really use some guidance. Thanks!

Hi! Writing a personal statement for a financial aid application can be challenging, but it's a great opportunity to share your story and explain your financial circumstances. Here are some general tips and examples to help you get started:

1. Start by providing an introduction that outlines your personal background and family situation. You can mention any specific hardships your family has faced, such as job loss, medical expenses, or other challenges that have impacted your ability to afford college.

Example: "I come from a hardworking family of five. My parents have always done their best to provide for us, but over the years, financial hardships have made it difficult to meet all our needs. Two years ago, my father lost his job, which forced my mother to work longer hours at her minimum-wage job."

2. Describe your educational journey and how a lack of financial resources has affected it. This is your opportunity to show your commitment to education and explain how financial aid will be instrumental in helping you achieve your goals.

Example: "Despite the financial challenges my family has faced, I have remained dedicated to my education. I am a first-generation college student and have worked hard throughout high school, maintaining a 3.8 GPA and participating in extracurricular activities. However, I've often had to sacrifice important opportunities, such as attending college prep programs or participating in school trips, due to financial constraints. Receiving financial aid will allow me to fully commit to my college education without these limitations."

3. Emphasize your achievements and the obstacles you've overcome. This can include academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, or any personal triumphs that demonstrate your determination and resilience.

Example: "To help support my family, I've taken on a part-time job while maintaining my academic and extracurricular commitments. I have also volunteered at a local food bank and found new ways to give back to my community despite limited resources. These experiences have taught me the true value of perseverance and hard work."

4. Conclude by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to apply for financial aid and reiterate how it will impact your future. Explain how receiving financial assistance will not only benefit you but also contribute to your long-term goals and aspirations.

Example: "Receiving financial aid will not only allow me to attend college but will also lessen the burden on my family and provide me the chance to focus on my studies and future career. My goal is to major in computer science and use my education to create innovative solutions that address pressing issues in my community and the wider world. I am grateful for any support that will help me achieve this dream."

Remember to make your personal statement unique to your story and circumstances. Use your own voice, stay authentic, and don't be afraid to showcase your accomplishments and challenges. Best of luck with your financial aid application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Financial Assistance Essay: 4 Useful Tips to Make It Rock

Are you about to start writing a financial assistance essay? Most probably, you are applying for a scholarship that will provide additional funding for your education or that will help you meet some special research objectives.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

Anyway, no matter how you call it, a financial assistance essay or a scholarship essay , your major mission and the gist of your paper do not change. You have to ask for money and need to prove that you do deserve it.

We should warn you right from the start that neither you are supposed to beg when writing your financial assistance essay nor you have to create some lachrymose stories about your difficult childhood and lack of finance in the family. On the contrary, you have to create an interesting and engaging financial assistance essay that both describes your life experiences and sheds a positive light on you ( click here for more info on how to save your time on writing a financial assistance essay).

Let us present you some good hints that will help you write a winning financial assistance essay.

• 🤔 Frequent Questions

1. ✏️ Tip 1

A financial assistance essay should not be philosophical, preachy, or trite. It should present your life story or an episode that describes you best and explains your need for financial aid in the best way.

Your financial assistance essay should be supported with specific examples. If you say something like “I believe it is very important to help others”, show what exactly you have done to help someone.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

Do not try to stretch the truth when writing your financial assistance essay. For instance, do not mention hobbies that you do not actually have or some activities you have never been involved into. Mind that you can be asked some unexpected questions referring to this info during an interview.

Before writing your financial assistance essay , simply try to talk about the topic aloud. It may help you concentrate and pick the best way of developing your financial need essay.

This might be interesting for you:

• Scholarship Essay Examples about Yourself
• How to Write a Scholarship Essay about Why You Deserve It
• How to Write an Essay Describing Your Financial Need
• Why i Want to be a Pharmacist Essay: Step-by-step Guide
• Why i Want to be a Teacher Essay Writing Guide
• College Application Essay Writing Mistakes to Avoid
• How to Write a 250 Words College Personal Statement

🤔 Financial Needs Essay FAQ

A financial need statement is a paper aimed at asking for money, or scholarship because its author is not capable of sponsoring themselves. For students, it usually means that they can’t work full-time yet, and so cannot afford the desired educational program.

If you are applying for a scholarship, do not necessarily focus on describing the need for money. In an essay, try to demonstrate your strong motivation and passion for learning instead. Highlight your strengths, relevant educational, and work experience, Say just a few words about your tight budget.

Financial assistance is crucial for students unable to sponsor themselves. They are encouraged to apply for scholarship programs. With the help of scholarships or other forms of aid, they can afford better educational programs. It is an excellent opportunity to get valuable experience and succeed in further development.

You should start with an outline to make sure that the structure of your paper is flawless. Write some ideas in the form of bullet points: introduction, relevant info about your background, some words about your tight budget. After that, describe the sketched points step by step.

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Dear Sir I am suffering for many years for mental disease. I need financial assistance for my proper treatment.

Shohel from Bangladesh

Dear Shohel, We are really sorry that you are going through this. If you write a financial assistance essay, you should mention your disease. Write about the hardships you’ve been through and your particular achievements. We’re sure that this will persuade the commission that you deserve the money like nobody else. Good luck with your application. Kindest regards,

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Finance Essay Examples

Top 5 Finance Essay Examples to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

16 min read

Published on: May 7, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Many students struggle with writing finance essays due to the technical language and vast topics to cover.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start, resulting in poorly written papers that don't meet academic standards.

With the right approach and tools, you can learn the art of finance essay writing and achieve academic success.

In this blog, we'll provide practical examples and expert tips to help you craft winning finance essays.

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Financial Analysis Essay Examples

Check out the following examples to get a better understanding of financial analysis essay examples. 

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Financial Situation Essay Examples

Want a perfect example of a financial situation essay? Read the following example!

Bank financial situation essay

Examples Of Financial Need Essays

Here is a perfectly written financial need essay for you! 

Financial need essay for college

Financial Literacy Essay Examples

Want a top example of a financial literacy essay example? Here is a perfectly written essay sample! 

Financial literacy essay example

Financial Goals Essay Examples

Read the following example of a financial goals essay! 

Financial goals essay sample

The following essays are perfect examples of financial situation essays. Give them a read to get inspiration for your next essay. 

Financial Hardship Essay Examples

Get inspiration for your next financial essay from these examples!

Financial Aid Essay Examples

Financial aid essay for an undergraduate essay

In conclusion, writing a financial essay can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be a rewarding experience. The examples we've provided in this blog post are just a small sample of the many financial essay topics that you can explore. 

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As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Coursera Financial Aid sample answers (approved every time)

For us students, it is difficult to pay for the courses at Coursera. I believe they should make all their courses free, for all school and college students worldwide. However they instead chose a method whereby everyone would pay, except those who aren’t financially well off. They made a ‘Financial aid’ option available for all their courses, and the great thing is that all applications for aid are approved after 15 days. So to get the courses for free, you simple have to fill out a form of 3 questions. The answers to those questions are given below. (Let’s say you are applying for their popular Machine Learning course, the answers could be like: )

First question : “Why are you applying for financial aid?” (minimum 150 words)

I am currently a student at XYZ School/college and I have a deep interest in the field of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. I often read the popular blogs like Towards Data Science etc. However I feel I lack the understanding of the basics of ML and hence I am not able to comprehend the articles very well. So I want to do a course that covers the fundamental topics of this field.

Being a student, I have no income of myself. I could have done internships and use the stipend to pay for this course, but currently my personal and college expenses are already very high which leaves behind a very small amount as savings.

With my deep interest in the field, I don’t want to lose out the opportunity to learn, just because I am unable to pay the amount. It is a great initiative by Coursera to have a financial aid option, and hence I would like to request a financial waiver for this course.

Second question : “How will taking this course help you achieve your career goals?” (minimum 150 words)

It is no doubt that Machine Learning opens up lots of opportunities for one’s career. The field took off in the 2010s and has been growing ever since. ML experts and Data Scientists are some of the most well paid jobs in the world.

I plan to use this course to improve my knowledge about the fundamentals of Machine Learning and Data Science. I plan to eventually specialise in Deep Learning after having learnt and practiced the basics well enough. I read that this course also includes several practice assignments and a project, doing which would be immensely beneficial to the improvement of my practical skills in this area.

Completing this course would also provide me the confidence to dive deep into data science and take on further challenging assignments. All of this would greatly help me in achieving my career goals in future and also help me in eventually getting a data science job.

Third question : Would you like to take a non interest loan?

Answer ‘No’ to this.

Final question:  Why would you not opt for a zero interest loan?

I still have several years of education ahead of me for which I and my parents have to pay. It would be an additional and considerable expense to pay back the loan amount, due to which I am seeking a complete waiver.

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