Financial Need and Scholarship Applicants

Are scholarships only need-based? If not, how important is financial need in determining how scholarships are awarded?

Financial need is an important part of the equation for scholarship selection.  Seriousness of purpose, talent, financial need, and your connection to a named scholarship are all taken into consideration by the scholarship committee. 

In terms of financial need, what is the maximum income to be considered?

There is no maximum income to be considered; however, financial need is seriously considered. While some organizations have a merit-only scholarship, the Highlights Foundation scholarship program is merit plus financial need. 

Do you need to show proof of income?

There is a question asking for your adjust gross income (AGI) from line 11 of tax form 1040. It is not required, but it does help. There is also a narrative question allowing you to describe your financial need.  

For income, do we include our spouse’s income or just our own?

Please include your spouse’s income. Some people make note of this in the narrative section about their financial need.