When applying for college, students should also apply for financial aid. Financial aid can be in the form of scholarship that need not be paid back or student loans which should be paid back. While people are aware of the scholarships offered, they aren’t generally aware of the guaranteed scholarships offered by the schools or colleges.
The common scholarships require you to meet the criteria set by them apart from a lengthy application procedure. The process is tiresome but can be rewarding if granted. There are guaranteed scholarship programs offered by the colleges which do not require you to fill an application or even compete for the scholarship.
Guaranteed college scholarships are guaranteed as long as you apply to the college, get accepted and enroll. There is no additional application process except providing information while applying to the college. If you are associated to a specific group, minority status or high school standing, you can qualify for the guaranteed scholarships. These scholarships are mostly renewable. Also, you will be granted only the highest amount you are eligible for even if you qualify for more than one scholarship.
The financial aid office should be contacted to know about the guaranteed scholarships offered by the university and the benefits can be enjoyed.
Planning to give the best shot in both is a challenge.The key word here is balancing! 
Parents get frightened by the fact of to pay thousands of dollars for an education. 
For post secondary education, Federal government has launched loan program. 
Scholarship scams - because many students competing for scholarship.