Are you feeling overwhelmed by the cost and commitment needed to return to school and finish college? Then you’re certainly not alone. With tuition costs increasing and job uncertainty during this pandemic, many of us are finding it difficult to imagine taking on such a hefty financial burden. But don’t lose heart, as you could be among the millions of people receiving a financial boost of up to US$6895 to return to school.
This article takes an in-depth look into the various ways you may be eligible for financial assistance to return to school. It explores the available grants, scholarship opportunities and other financial services and resources that could help to make a college degree more possible, now more than ever.
What Are The Available Educational Grants?
Grants are both an ideal and viable option for students who are looking for more affordable ways to pay for college. They may be available from state or federal governments, or from private organizations and companies. Grants do not have to be repaid and the exact amount of the grant can depend on the student’s academic performance, potential and financial need.
Grants can also come with some type of service commitment, such as working in a specialized field after college or volunteering with a non-profit. Grant recipients also usually need to maintain good academic standing throughout their college career, or risk losing their grant money.
The US Government offers a number of grants, including the Federal Pell Grant, which gives up to $6,495 to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. In addition to the Federal Pell Grant, the US Government also offers the TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant, which provides up to $4,000 to individuals from low-income backgrounds who commit to teaching high-need fields in a low-income school for at least four years after graduation.
Scholarships
Scholarships are another great option for anyone looking for financial assistance to return to school. They are merit-based awards, meaning students must usually demonstrate a specific achievement or talent in order to be considered for the scholarship. Scholarships can come in many forms, including merit-based, athletic, religious, ethnic and geographical scholarships.
Scholarships do not need to be repaid, and they can range from a few hundred dollars to full tuition packages. Scholarship awards may also depend on financial need and applicants should submit copies of their Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form to assist organizations in making a more informed decision about an award amount.
Private Scholarship Organizations
In addition to the funding provided by the Federal Government and organizations, many people have turned to private companies for additional financial assistance for school. Companies like Raise.me, Edmit and GoodCall offer scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need or excellence in their academics.
Raise.me partners with colleges nationwide to offer students grants for completing certain tasks, like earning good grades or completing a community service project. Edmit focuses on matching students with private scholarships and GoodCall helps students find financial assistance, like grants and scholarships.
Financial Aid Services
Financial aid services are another option for students who want to make the most of their education funding. Counselors can provide assistance with the FAFSA and student loan applications, as well as provide insight into financial aid options. Financial aid services also typically offer state or private scholarships, grants, and other financial aid services, such as helping students create a financial plan.
Conclusion
Returning to school to finish college can be a daunting task, but there are several ways you can receive up to $6,895 to help make the process easier. Grants are available from state and federal governments and private organizations, and there are scholarships available for those who demonstrate excellence or financial need. In addition to these options, there are private companies, like Raise.me and Edmit, as well as financial aid services, that can provide additional financial assistance.
No matter your financial situation, there are resources available that can help you pursue your educational goals and finish college. With a little research and planning, you can make returning to school a reality.
