Welcome to Maxx Family Life: Education
Higher Education Technology Grants Article
This is a selection made from among articles on Higher Education Technology Grants . For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
Getting Grant Money for College
from: Maxx Family LifePaying for a college education can be difficult for some students and the biggest source of direct student aid comes in the form of grant money for college. Although loans and scholarships make up more than 50% of student aid, grant money for college is certianly the preferred solution because grants don't have be paid back.
Qualifications for grant money for college can, however, be very strict. What's different than loans and scholarships where money is awarded based on credit rating, grant money for college are usually based on need.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid Program under the Department of Education has a specfic formula that determines whether or not the student requires financial assistance from the Federal Government for his education. Grants aren't handed out to just anyone since you have to prove you or your parents don't have the financial means to support your college education.
Along with the economic restrictions, grant money for college is usually awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Government funds are limited which means the government can't fund every student in need that's out there. Thus late applicants have less of a chance to recieve a grant since all the money reserved for student aid has been given to earlier applicants, which is why it's very important to apply early and be aware of any available grants that might help lower your overall college contribution.
Here are the main types of grant money for college:
Federal Pell Grants
These are considered the largest grant money for college programs. Pell grants ranged from $400 to $4,050 during the 2004-2005 academic year and were based totally on the need of the student and family. The entity who determines the student's need is the college of choice, but using the guidelines previously approved by the Federal Government.
Eligible colleges receive a fixed amount of Pell grant money each year, and with so many students applying, the grant money runs quickly and once it's gone -- it's gone. Therefore, if you're hoping to get a Pell grant for college, then apply for aid early.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants
Unfortunately, grant money received from one grant may not be enough to support all expenses, which is why the government offers the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant Program. This program is reserved for the neediest of students and may supplement grant money for college with amounts ranging from $100 to $4,000. Like Pell grants, you may apply for this grant through your college's financial aid office.
State Grants
Most states have some type of free money program, also determined by need, and targeted to encourage study in certain careers, such as teaching or nursing. The State of California, for example, has 3,000 Cal Grants for future teachers. The grant comes with specific obligations, as in the case of Cal Grants, the money must be repaid if the student doesn't teach in a low-income area for at least one year for every $2,000 received.
Higher Education Technology Grants News
No relevant info was found on this topic.