While many focus on how they are going to cover their student loans, there are ways you can pay for college without having to write a check to the bank, the school, or the government. EducationData.org reports that 84 percent of students receive financial aid to help pay for their school. Approximately 63 percent of all undergraduates receive at least one scholarship to help pay for school. If you know where to look, your odds are good of getting one if you qualify and apply. Five million scholarships are available for students across the country, accounting for $24 billion in aid. Closer to home, the Door County Community Foundation created its scholarship network to help streamline the process for local students looking for help paying for college. President and CEO Bret Bicoy says by completing one form for dozens of different scholarships, he hopes they are connecting generous local donors and area students more efficiently.

New scholarships are being added daily to the Door County Scholarship Network, so Bicoy encourages prospective scholarship recipients to check back early and often. You can click this link to learn more about the available scholarships and how donors can start their own fund.