There can be a sinking feeling about furthering your education when you unsure how to pay for it
. Even those doing well in these economic times can struggle for large expenses. College is certainly one of these. Fortunately, grants for education are available and there are many sources of receiving these.
For receiving Federal grants, an application must be filled out and the student has to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). Remember that there is an expected family contribution section and do this honestly. There is a qualifying range for receiving grant money and don't forget that there are also corporate grants, local scholarship money and even work-study programs on campus to provide additional aid. There are also student loans which will require money paid back after graduation from the university.
Arrange to speak with the high school counselor as well as someone at the financial aid office for the schools you or your child are interested in attending. You'll find out about options you were not aware of as well as the deadline for various scholarship and grant applications.
For discrectionary grants, the money is not taxed and does not need to be paid back. Grants can cover tuition, study materials and possibly residency for school. Remember that there are grants for various populations such as short people, lefties and children of veterans. Study your family background, analyze your interests and find out if there are grant opportunities available. You may be very active in a special interest group and unaware that there are scholarship funds you can qualify for.
Don't forget then when you are filling out the applications for grants for education and scholarships you'll also be working on college applications and writing your school essays. Leave yourself enough time to do all this and make their deadlines. You want to write good essays both for your financial assistance as well as for being accepted in the colleges that you are hoping to attend. It can be overwhelming if you are applying to several schools to leave this all to the same week and be under the gun to fill out all the forms at once. Federal offices and school admission reviewers are not sympathetic to those who wish to apply late to deadlines. Keep the dates that everything is due on your calendar and try to get the materials returned to them way in advance of the last minute.