Custom Search

Money for College Where Is It and How Do I Get It?

College is expensive – but money is available to help you pay the way! By doing a little research and filling out a few forms, you can find money through scholarships, grants, loans, and tuition assistance such as work study.

Scholarships

There are more than one million scholarships available each year to reward students who have distinguished themselves academically, athletically, musically, or in some other way. Scholarships pay for some or all of a student's college costs through cash or tuition reimbursements.

The primary government counterpart for scholarships is the Reserve Officers' Training Corp (ROTC) program. Through ROTC, military branches offer full scholarships to students who agree to serve in the military for a certain number of years after graduation. Religious groups, professional associations, and civic organizations are other sources of scholarships.

Grants

Grants are financial aid awards that do not need to be repaid. There are Federal, state, and private grants available.

Federal: There are two main types of Federal grants:

    * The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program. It provides up to $3000 per year based on financial need

    * The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant provides from $100-$4,000 per year, depending on when you apply, your level of need, the funding level of the school you're attending, and the policies of the Financial Aid Office where you attend school

Special grant programs through the National Health Services Corps and the Armed Forces are available for students entering the health and medical field.

State: All states provide some type of grant, scholarship, or tuition assistance programs.

Your state's higher education agency can give you information about state grants, including the State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG) Program. This program is funded jointly by individual states and the U.S. Department of Education.

Private: Many private grants are available. Your university may offer institutional grants from its own resources.

Loans

Once you have exhausted all the scholarships and grants available to you, it is time to look at loans. Federal loans are the largest source of financial aid available. Check the information below for information about the major types of Federal loans:

A Perkins Loan is need-based and you must be at least half-time student. The interest rate is fixed at 5 percent and you can borrow up to $3,000

A Subsidized Stafford Loan is need-based and you must be at least half-time student. The interest rate is variable with 8.25% cap. You can borrow up to $2,625 year 1, up to $3,500 year 2, and $5,500 for years 3-5

An Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is available for any student who is at least a half-time student. The interest rate is variable with 8.25% cap. You can borrow up to $2,625 year 1, up to $3,500 year 2, and $5,500 for years 3-5

A Parent PLUS Loan is for the parent of a dependent attending at least half-time. The interest rate is variable with 9% cap and it can cover the cost of attendance less total financial aid offered. It is available year round and can even pay for back expenses.

If you don't qualify for Federal loans, private loans are also available through banks and credit unions.

<< Previous    [1]  2    Next >>