If one is thinking about resuming college education after a long gap, it would be beneficial to obtain information beforehand about college grants for adults. The different scholarships that can be availed by adults are listed below…
There are many grants given to adults for the purpose of resuming their education. One has to do some research to find the correct information about different grants available out there. The reasons behind adults wanting to re-join college can be many. Some of them do not receive education in their teenage; few others have to drop out of college abruptly. The details presented below should act as a guide for continuing with formal education. The grants for adults are offered on the basis of income guidelines. There are many scholarships and grants out there for adults to benefit from. Such college grants for adults returning to college are given after taking into account the financial need of recipients. Completing the formalities of ‘Free Application for Federal Student Aid’ (FAFSA) is the first step in obtaining federal grants. The process can either be completed online or by submitting a hard copy. A student aid report is received upon filling up the processing form. One copy is sent to colleges associated with the FAFSA program.
List of College Grants
The government grants which can be used to obtain financial aid for college education and which most of us are aware include the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Apart from these grants, there are many other work-study programs through which adult students can benefit. The most important thing about securing a government grant is that money need not be repaid.
Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is availed by most adult students in America. To avail the benefit of this grant, one has to prove that he/she really needs money. Other than the income-related details, one has to also provide information about family assets, number of dependents in the family, etc. to prove that availing financial aid for continuing with the education is a must.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Those students who are in dire need of financial help easily qualify for the FSEOG grant. The grant is specially made available to those who cannot expect financial assistance from their family. The expenses for post-secondary education are covered through this grant. There are roughly 3,800 institutions of post-secondary education in USA where students can avail this grant.
Alliss Educational foundation Grant
This grant is offered to adult learners by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. A person who is out of college for at least 7 years can avail this grant.
College Access Challenge Grant (CACG)
This grant is sponsored by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. Priority is given to those individuals from low-income groups.
Span Plan
Adults who wish to pursue career-oriented programs can benefit from this grant. The Span Grant is sponsored by the Purdue University of West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation
A grant of $2000 is awarded to each of the successful applicants. Those women with dependent children who wish to join college can benefit from grants offered by this foundation.
Montgomery G.I. Bill
This program allows military veterans to take up college education. The applicant should have served the nation for at least 90 days. Tuition fees, expenses for books, housing, etc. are covered in this program.
Disengaged Adults Returning to College Grant Program
This grant program is meant for those New Jersey Students unable to complete their college education. The applicant should at least be 20 years old. It is also necessary that the applicant has left New Jersey within past 10 years.
College Scholarships for Adults
Scholarships, just like grants are given not only to college students, but also to adults who wish to continue with their education.
Resources for the Education of Adults in the Chicago Area (REACh)
It is considered as one of the important scholarship programs in adult education. REACh is basically a consortium of corporate, civic and educational organizations which work together on a not-for-profit basis. Specialty of this scholarship program is that only those above 25 years can get the benefits.
Talbots Women’s Scholarship Fund
It is an example of scholarship programs that are specially designed for women who wish to earn a college degree. This scholarship is offered to those applying for an undergraduate program from an accredited university or college.
William E. and Phoebe B. Clark Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to adult students who wish to pursue a degree at the Michigan State University. One can avail the scholarship for a bachelor’s program or other advanced degree programs.
Apart from the federal grants and scholarships, there are many private institutions which provide grants for the needy. One has to find out the right information and fulfill the basic requirements specified under the eligibility criteria. There are many scholarships available for employers too. Employers can avail monetary benefits in the range of $100-$1500, depending on the time spent in a particular company.
The different college grants discussed above should help the needy in continuing with their education. One should however, try to search for as many programs as possible. Most people don’t have proper information on grants and scholarships. Therefore, it is necessary to stay prepared in order to avail such benefits.