OVER 89 MILLION $ AVAILABLE FOR FINANCIAL AID
Does the cost of continuing education make you sweat? You’re not alone. The largest obstacle for working adults returning to school is the fear of paying the tuition and other fees while sometimes supporting a family. We will show you the steps to take to put a financial aid package together and make your dreams a reality.
Financial aid is available in several basic forms: grants and scholarships, which you do not have to pay back; loans, which you have to repay when you finish; and work-study programs, which provide aid in exchange for work. Tax benefits and loan forgiveness programs can also ease your pain. Major sources for this aid are the federal and state governments, colleges and universities, and special programs set up by foundations, companies, and associations.
The first step to assembling an aid package is to get all your financial information together and download an application for federal student aid from the government’s website (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov). It is important to complete this required application as early as possible. The application is usually processed in 3-5 days and you will receive a report outlining the federal programs you are eligible for.
FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS
Most federal grants like the Pell Grant range from $400 to $4000 and are need based. They take into account your assets, income, and family size. In the LEAP program the federal government provides matching funds to state governments that establish and maintain their own student grants.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Because there are millions of scholarships available, you are sure to fit the eligibility requirements for a few. Although some of these programs are need-based, many more are merit-based. Sometimes all it takes to get this “free money” is to find out who in your area is offering them: your church, your employer, local civic organizations, associations in your field, or the school you’re about to attend. The application process is pretty straightforward. Quite often you will be asked to write an essay and give information about yourself. The military as well as many hospitals will sponsor your education if you agree to work for them.
Beware! Don’t get scammed! Unfortunately, in their scramble to pay tuition, many students fall prey to scholarship scams. Beware of lines such as: “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back;” or “I just need your credit card to hold this
