Finding employment is not as easy as it used to be in today’s economy. You need to have more than experiences and skills in order to secure a job and get ahead of the competition. A well-rounded education is key so as to have the ability to pursue the career of your dreams. The thought of going to school is discarded by a lot of people because of the heavy tuition fees that comes with it. However, there are government provisions for situations like this for low-income individuals to help them pursue their dreams and earn an education.
What are they?
Free money provided to help individuals pay for college is known as education grants. A lot of expenses that come with pursuing a higher education can be alleviated by finding a government grant for school. These funds can be used to purchase books, pay for tuition, computers and other items that will aid in successful completion of your degree. The most interesting aspect of grants is that they do not need to be refunded. Many people have been able to earn a college degree and achieve their dream career as a result of grants.
How do I get one?
Your financial needs as a student determines your qualification for these grants. You need to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to apply for the grant. All of the information you provide in the form is then sent to the college or career school you are applying to and they will determine your eligibility for financial aid.
Various grant types
The most common type of grant is the Pell Grant. This grant is generally awarded to an undergraduate student who has not obtained their bachelor’s degree or professional degree. The amount of assistance you can receive depends on your need, the cost of tuition along with several other factors. The maximum award for the 2018-19 school year is $6,095. The funds are typically sent directly to your school to apply towards your bill and any excess funds are usually given to the student after a set date.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is another popular grant. It is quite unfortunate that not all schools offer this type of financial aid. This is because this type of grant is meant strictly for undergraduate students with an exceptional need for the funds. Your time of application, the amount of other financial aid you receive and the availability of aid at your school determines the amount of assistance that will be rendered to you. About $100-$4,000 is provided by this grant annually in free financial assistance.
Another grant program different from the one mentioned above is known as the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH). The major goal of this grant is towards students taking specific types of classes. This grant can be your best shot if you are planning on becoming a teacher. There are however, certain obligations attached to this grant which you are expected to understand before accepting. Up to $4,000 is awarded to a student who plans on teaching under specific terms and conditions annually.
In Closing
Between living paycheck to paycheck struggling to make ends meet and being able to provide a stable and financially secure life for a family is a government grant for school. You can learn more about this highly sought after form of financial aid with Education Grants 101.