Back to school grants for adults: How to choose the right college
Do you think that you can’t qualify for grants to go back to school since you’ve passed that age? If so, my friend, you’re wrong.
You can still qualify for grants, to go back to school, available online. However, to do so, at first, you need to fill out FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Our federal government will review your application and provide you with the eligible grants and loans.
Why will you fill out the FAFSA?
You need to fill it out because even if you don't qualify for grants, it can help you take out federal student loans.
You have to fill out the same FAFSA, which a high school senior will do to get access to federal back to school grants and loans for higher studies.
Federal grants to go to back to school for unemployed, dads, and moms
Check out these FAFSA grants and scholarships for college so that you can apply.
| Name of the Grant | Eligibility | Grant Amount | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Supplemental Educational Pell (FSEO) Grant | Have to attend a participating school | $100 - $4000 |
|
| Federal Pell Grant | Undergraduate students with financial need | Maximum of $5,920 |
Grant amount based on:
|
| Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant | Undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate | Up to $4,000 | If service obligation (teaching in a low-income school for at least 4 years) not completed, grant gets converted to a student loan |
| Unigo $10K Scholarship | Legal resident of USA | Up to $10,000 | “Submit a short written response to the following question: ‘Imagine a historical figure is brought back to life. Who is it? What’s their favorite mobile app?’” by Dec 31, 2018 |
| Return2College | Adults pursuing undergraduate or graduate degree | $1,000 | To submit a 3-sentence essay by the mentioned date |
| Imagine America Scholarship |
|
$1,000 Award | For adults trying to improve their situation through education for a specific profession |
Here are some back to school grants for moms and married/unmarried women:
| Name of the Grant | Eligibility | Grant Amount | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Philanthropic Educational Organization - Program for Continuing Education (PCE) | A US citizen who had 24 consecutive months at least as a non-student sometime in life |
|
|
| The American Association of University Women - Career Development Grants | A US citizen or permanent resident, who holds a bachelor degree, and have earned last degree on or before 30th June 2004 |
|
Scholarships offered through state and local branch offices |
| The Emerge Scholarship Fund | Women whose education was interrupted and wish to finish school | $2,000 - $5,000 Annually | Merit-based program |
| The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund (JRF) | Low-income women aged 35 and more who’re pursuing a degree or vocational training | About $2,000 | - |
| The Talbot Scholarship Foundation | Women in the US and Canada who’re returning to school, and to complete min. 2 semesters for an undergraduate degree |
|
|
| The AARP Foundation - Women’s Scholarship Program |
|
$500 - $5,000 | Both needs and merit are considered for awarding scholarships |
Apart from above, several states offer such back to school grants to the nontraditional students. You can browse online to find such grants and scholarships offered by your state.
Tips to choose a college as an adult
Here are a few tips that can help you choose a suitable college to complete your education:
- Make sure the institution accepts credits from other schools. Also, before enrolling, check out how much credit, from your prior institution, is accepted towards your new degree.
- Opt for the exams much earlier than the school application deadlines. This will give you time if you have to retake the test. Moreover, you can be more relaxed if you take exams early; in turn, it can help you get good grades as you’ll be stress-free.
- Choose a college that helps you to balance your personal and professional life along with the school. Usually, an adult learner has to balance between these things; so, choose a suitable college timing and create a plan beforehand. It will help you avoid any hurdle and pursue your education, as soon as you get admission and qualify for grants and scholarships.
If you think that you won’t be able to manage your regular classes, you can opt for a hybrid program. Doing so, you can learn at your own pace and time.
By opting for such a program, you can listen to the lectures online. Try to attend the face-to-face interaction sessions.
However, check out whether or not grants and scholarships are available for such a program and whether you qualify for them.
Another advantage to complete your education or for career development.
So, no more alibi not to complete your education or pursue a higher degree. Do your best and achieve a better life.
You can do it!