MPmomof3How to Apply for Scholarships, Grants and Student Loans
March 4th 2010 21:38
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Money For College
The current state of the economy is making an already competitive job market even tougher. Many Americans, myself included, are taking a hard look at our workplace marketability and choosing to return to school. Limited financial resources pose a challenge for many, however. That is why several men and women who are going back to further their education are in search of financial aid.
What many people do not know is that you should apply for financial aid as soon as you finish your taxes, if not earlier. This is especially true of grants which have a tendency to be depleted very quickly.
So, how do you apply for financial aid?
Step 1: Fill out the F.A.F.S.A. online.
F.A.F.S.A. is an abbreviation for the Free Application For Student Assistance. This is the foundation of your financial aid eligibility. It is a gauge of your income, available assets and more. You can find the application link and a list of what you need to apply online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
Step 2: Find and apply for scholarships.
Ask the college, technical school or university where you are planning to attend what scholarships they have available and how to apply. It may be helpful to know your major first and be accepted for admission to the school of your choice. Some schools have scholarships available based upon your major.
For online scholarships, register, search and apply at http://www.fastweb.com/ or grants.gov.
Step 3: Notify your school's financial aid office of special circumstances.
Things like a recent divorce, sudden loss of income, house burning down, etc. may entitle you to a professional judgment. Ask your financial aid office for details.
Step 4: When all else fails, apply for loans.
Federal student loans usually have the best interest rates. If you are eligible, a subsidized loan is best because the government pays the interest while you are in school at least half time (6 credit hours). Find more information in your financial aid office or at http://www.staffordloan.com/.
What many people do not know is that you should apply for financial aid as soon as you finish your taxes, if not earlier. This is especially true of grants which have a tendency to be depleted very quickly.
So, how do you apply for financial aid?
Step 1: Fill out the F.A.F.S.A. online.
F.A.F.S.A. is an abbreviation for the Free Application For Student Assistance. This is the foundation of your financial aid eligibility. It is a gauge of your income, available assets and more. You can find the application link and a list of what you need to apply online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
Step 2: Find and apply for scholarships.
Ask the college, technical school or university where you are planning to attend what scholarships they have available and how to apply. It may be helpful to know your major first and be accepted for admission to the school of your choice. Some schools have scholarships available based upon your major.
For online scholarships, register, search and apply at http://www.fastweb.com/ or grants.gov.
Step 3: Notify your school's financial aid office of special circumstances.
Things like a recent divorce, sudden loss of income, house burning down, etc. may entitle you to a professional judgment. Ask your financial aid office for details.
Step 4: When all else fails, apply for loans.
Federal student loans usually have the best interest rates. If you are eligible, a subsidized loan is best because the government pays the interest while you are in school at least half time (6 credit hours). Find more information in your financial aid office or at http://www.staffordloan.com/.
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