Sure, we’ve all made fun of the way they wave and cry when they are crowned. But you’d be waving and crying, too, if you were getting all that college scholarship money along with the tiara and bouquet.

That’s right: Beyond the evening gowns and talent competition, the Miss America pageant is one of the largest scholarship programs in the world. Last year, over 12,000 contestants competed at the local, state, and national levels for a share of more than $45 million in cash and scholarship grants.

Makes you want to put on a swimsuit and strut around in stiletto heels, doesn’t it?

Don’t forget that beyond the mega-watt smiles and big hair are intelligent women who are trying to put themselves through college. Check out the alma maters of these recent winners:

Miss America 2008: Kirsten Haglund, Univ. of Cincinnati
Miss America 2007: Lauren Nelson, Univ. of Central Oklahoma
Miss America 2006: Jennifer Berry, Univ. of Oklahoma
Miss America 2005: Deidre Downs*, Univ. of Virginia
Miss America 2004: Ericka Dunlap, Univ. of Central Florida
Miss America 2003: Erika Harold, Univ. of Illinois
Miss America 2002: Katie Harman, Portland State Univ.
Miss America 2001: Angela Perez Baraquio, Univ. of Hawaii

*Deidre Downs actually gave up a full volleyball scholarship so she could focus on her studies. Looks like she was able to pay for her college tuition anyway!

Miss America is awarded a $50,000 college scholarship, but don’t think you have to take the title to cash in. Check out this list of recent winners. Cha-ching!

Are you thinking of competing in a pageant? Let BarbaraBlogger know. There could be a guest blogger position in it for you!