Think You Can't Afford Going Back to School?
If you want to go back to school but don't think you can afford it, you may be excited to learn that a wide range of federal grants, at amounts up to $5,775, are available to help you get back into school and finish your degree. Returning to complete your education can benefit you in many ways. It can qualify you to enter a new career field, enable you to apply for higher paying jobs, or help you progress further in your chosen career field.
How to Find a Grant
Many Americans may be able to qualify for these grants, which can net up to $5,775 for the 2015-2016 school year. This grant money can be spent on useful education-related things like books, tuition, housing, and even child care. Unlike loans, these government education grants are given based on your qualifications and do not have to be repaid. Many people use these grants to enroll in online education courses and degree programs, which tend to be more flexible and can often be fit around work, family, and other personal commitments.
Although many people are able to qualify for these grants, few are taking advantage of them. Why? Because they are unaware of their existence. If your annual income is below $80,000 and you haven't finished a bachelor's or professional degree yet, there is a chance you could qualify for this year for a grant and get back on the road to finishing your college education. If you're interested in getting back into school and you're not sure where or what to study, use this free online tool and see what is available to you.
Is It Worth Going Back to School?
Pursuing further education can pay off in many ways. The US Department of Labor's research shows that having a Bachelor's degree can increase your earnings by an average of $21,650 per year. That amount starts to add up quickly and can really make a difference to you and your family's life.
How To Apply For a Grant
Applying for financial aid is relatively easy so it's worth taking a look to see what might be available based on the qualifications (see below). Once you've read the grant qualifications, you should have a good indication of whether or not you would be eligible to receive grant money. Before you can actually submit a financial aid application however, you must be enrolled in or accepted by a school. Once you've been accepted, you can officially apply for a grant by visiting the Federal Student Aid website.
As you're trying to find the ideal degree and school for you, take a look at college-searchdirectory.com.com. They will help you find a degree program and school that works for you - the school will then help direct you toward getting the greatest amount of financial aid possible based on your qualifications. The school's reputation and institutional success are directly tied to your academic success as a student and future graduate, so it is in their best interest to facilitate your pathway through financial aid and graduation.
Grant qualifications are based on the following:
- your financial need
- your cost of attendance
- your status as a full-time or part-time student, and
- your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less
Financial Aid Tips
Have you been put off finishing your college degree because of high costs or your long list of competing priorities? If so, it's worth taking a look at online degrees and courses - they are just as credible as traditional degrees and courses, they offer greater flexibility, and any financial aid you receive can be applied to them. You can also start at any time of the year, allowing you to more easily coordinate with work, school term times or other impacts that might influence the availability of your time or income.
Here are the simplified steps for getting financial aid:
- Determine the degree program and school that will fit your career goals. Use free and quick online tools like the one offered by college-searchdirectory.com.com.
- Apply and get accepted to the school of your choice.
- Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form online and apply for a share of the $150 billion given out to US students each year.
- Depending on your circumstances, apply for scholarships.
Median earnings of bachelor's degree recipients working full-time year-round are $21,650 more than median earnings of high school graduates (based on 50 work weeks/year). Source: href="http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_001.htm">http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_001.htm
Undergraduate students who are in need financially, who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree, and who meet other qualifications can qualify for up to $5,775 in funding annually. Source: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data that was published in April 2015, persons with a bachelor's degree earned a median salary 65% higher than those with only a high school diploma. Source: http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm">http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm
As of January 2015, median weekly earnings of full-time wage and salary workers age 25 and older with less than a high school diploma were $488 in 2014. The median for workers with a high school diploma only (no college) was $668 per week, and the median for those with at least a bachelor's degree was $1,193 per week. Source: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2015/median-weekly-ear...
