On March 30th, President Barack Obama went down to the Northern Virginia Community College and signed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act in front of hundreds of cheering students and faculty. While the Act increased Pell Grants and reformed a number of tax credits, it only addresses some of the issues anyone wanting to go to school must address when it comes to covering the high cost of a higher education and a college degree.
After all, the current recession hangs over everyone's head like the sword of Damocles. Holding, much less finding, a job remains uncertain. It's well known that individuals with Bachelor's and Master's degrees are ahead of the competition when landing permanent employment. Diplomas provide endless opportunities for advancement in a career. Bills like the Student Aid Act show there is encouraging news for young college undergraduates. Earning a college degree today is being made easier.
Even though they know it's worth the outlay, many students fret about the rising cost of tuition. As it happens, those worry warts shouldn't have to put this goal on the backburner. There is financial aid out there, including a variety of student loans, grants, scholarship opportunities, tax deductions and credits that are designed to help earn that degree.
Many institutes of higher learning, both online and on campus, offer a wide array of assistance. Need-based grants can range from $500 to $15,000 annually, depending on the university. People who are in need of financial assistance should do research and discover the scholarship that best fits their academic history and background. They should also contact with the school's financial aid officer. It's these people's jobs to help get them into their place of employment (the college). One could even say these officer's jobs are dependent on it.
There is one way to get some extra cash most potential students never think of. The Leadership Grant is usually not awarded to individuals for need or scholastic brilliance but, for lack of a better term, good citizenship. It's given to those who show skills in the civil arena and involves extracurricular activities such as charity or public service. One of the largest organizations that hands them out is the National Education Association, but many local societies have them, too.
There are also grants for specific minorities. One of the best known is the United Negro College Fund, but there are a number of other worthy institutions out there. Also, private corporations and professional societies offer grants to minority students, including racial-specific ones for those of African-American, Asian and Hispanic backgrounds.
This means one should never forget academic scholarships. They are handed out by more than just universities. Again, many professional societies and companies hand them out as a long term recruitment strategy.
Still, if there's one important lesson any student seeking a college degree should learn is to start applying for financial aid at the same time one starts applying to colleges, both on campus and online. College grants and scholarships are out there, available for many different needs and situations, and it's well worth your time to find out your eligibility.
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