Prospective freshmen at online universities have financial aid options

Prospective freshmen at online universities have financial aid options

High school seniors who are planning to enter on-campus or online colleges next fall may begin applying for scholarships, such as those offered by PNY Technologies.

The computer memory device manufacturer has launched its My Big Green Idea college scholarship contest, which will award scholarships to environmentally conscious high school students.

To enter the contest, students who are expected to graduate from private or public high schools across the country are required to submit an essay explaining a solution, product or idea that can help the environment and use the company's technologies.

A grand prize worth $5,000 will be awarded to one student to help cover the cost of tuition for their first year of college. The winner's high school will also receive three new computers and monitors.

In addition, the company will select two students to receive $500 honorable mention awards.

Through the scholarships, PNY hopes to encourage young people to "consider their own environmental impact and develop ideas to address environmental challenges with innovative solutions," said Tony Gomez, the company's vice president of sales and marketing.

Students who are planning to pursue classroom-based or online degree programs next year may enter the contest through February 15, 2010 on the PNY website.