10 Ways the Government Will Help Pay for Your Online Degree
10 Ways the Government Will Help Pay for Your Online Degree
When you get an advanced degree, Uncle Sam benefits just as much as you do. That's why he'll help you finance your degree. Here are ten ways the Federal government will help pay for part or all of your postsecondary education.
1. Federal Pell Grant. The Pell Grant is available almost exclusively to undergraduate students and does not have to be repaid; the award range is $400 to $4,731.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This grant if for undergraduates with exceptional financial need and doesn't have to be repaid; the award range is $100 to $4,000.
3. Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG). This grant is for Pell-eligible students enrolled at least half-time in their first or second year of study or in a certificate program of at least one year at a degree-granting school and doesn't have to be repaid; Up to $750 in the first year and $1,300 in the second.
4. National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant). This grant is for Pell-eligible students enrolled at least half-time in third, fourth year or fifth year majoring in certain subject areas with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA; award amounts equal up to $4,000 a year.
5. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. This is a grant for undergraduate, post baccalaureate, and graduate students who will be taking course work necessary to become an elementary or secondary teacher and does not have to be repaid; awards up to $4,000 a year.
6. Federal Work-Study. This is money earned while you're attending school, and it does not have to be repaid. Available for both undergraduate and graduate students, jobs can be on or off campus. Students are paid at least federal minimum wage, and there are no annual minimum or maximum amounts.
7. Federal Perkins Loan. A federal needs-based loan for undergraduate and graduate students that must be repaid; loans made up to $5,500 for undergrads and up to $8,000 for graduate and professional students.
8. Subsidized Direct or FFEL Stafford Loan. These are needs-based loans for students attending at least half-time and must be repaid. The U.S. Department of Education pays interest while the borrower is in school and during grace and deferment periods. Loans come in the amount of $3,500 to $8,500, depending on grade level.
9. Unsubsidized Direct or FFEL Stafford Loan. This is a needs-based loan for half-time students that must be repaid. The borrower is responsible for all interest, and loans range from $5,500 to $20,500 depending on grade level and dependency status.
10. Direct or FFEL PLUS Loan. These loans are for parents of dependent undergraduate students and for graduate and professional students enrolled at least half-time. There's no financial need required, but the borrower must not have adverse credit history. These loans are unsubsidized, so the borrower is responsible for all interest.
Take advantage of as many of these options as you can. An education can be the key to getting what you want out of your life, and it's a great step towards a brighter future. 10 Ways You're Ruining Your Chances Of Getting Free Publicity Without Even Knowing It by:Paul Hartunian 10 Ways Your Chamber of Commerce Can Help Your Business Grow by:Rena Klingenberg 10 Ways To Make Money Online Starting From Scratch 10 Ways To Get Traffic For Your Business 10 Ways To Gain Your Prospects Attention Using Your Picture Alone by:Adam Wright 10 Ways To Find The Money Hiding In Your Paycheck by:Robert Dickson 10 Ways To Drive A Stampede Of Online Traffic To Your Website! 10 Ways To Convey Passion In Your Articles 10 Ways To Choose The Best Affiliate Programs To Market 10 Ways That Twitter Can Boost Your Online Business 10 Vital Steps To Online Success 10 Useful Tips For Newbies And Expert Bloggers 10 Unique Features Of Online Fax