Food Stamps

If you have the chance to go to college, why wouldn’t you? Tuition can be high, but there are ways to get even a bachelor’s degree for a cheaper price and practically free if you use scholarships, federal grants and work-study grants to afford college. Even if you’re an adult, you can qualify to receive the Pell Grant after the age of 24 if living independently from your parents. In addition, if you have kids or you just need to get into a better career, college can offer you so many doors. Those who qualify for food stamps are often eligible for significant financial aid programs through the government. All you have to do is apply to see if you’re eligible.

Getting Started

Look for a public, in-state school with cheaper course cost. Typically, local, state universities and community colleges will have tuition under $10,000, community colleges typically under $2,000. With financial aid, you could cover nearly 100 percent of these costs. If you are worried about time constraints, there are also universities that have online degree programs specifically made to be flexible. Applying to college and being admitted is the first step to figuring out financial aid. You won’t know how much you need until you’re accepted somewhere, which will take you to the next part.

Filling Out a FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is just a form that you can complete online or by mail that determines whether or not you can receive federal aid, such as the Pell Grant. The Pell Grant is basically free federal money that will pay for part of your tuition. This article will talk more about that later, but for now, you should go to FAFSA.ed.gov to start an application. You need some information about yourself to fill this out, including your name, birthday, social security, contact information, tax information, and school information. If you’re married or still a dependent of your parents, you’ll need their information too. The application just takes about 30 minutes in most cases and will guide you through each question with helper notes and a phone number to call if you get stuck. You can also save your application and return later.

After Submitting FAFSA

Your financial aid information is sent to the school that you specified on your application. Your eligibility is determined by how much you are expected to contribute. If you have a low-paying job, already receive public assistance and live on your own, you’re in a good place to receive benefits. In addition, if you have multiple dependents, never received a degree before and you receive public assistance like food stamps, you are in a good position to receive federal aid money. If you are eligible, this information and the amount of aid eligible will be sent to your college. You will then receive a financial aid award letter with the amount of financial aid available for you. You can always appeal this letter and get more money if it doesn’t cover all of your expenses. You should speak to your financial aid office about how to do this for your school.

Different Types of Aid

Most likely, if you do have a low expected contribution, you’ll receive a Pell Grant, which can offer you up to $4,000 a year. You may also receive the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, or FSEOG, which can offer an additional amount. You may also sign up for work-study programs and federal student loans with low interest rates. If you’d rather not get loans or you don’t have time for another working position, you can always look at some sites with extensive information on scholarships and fellowships, such as YourTuition.com or EducationGrantsforSchool.com. Each of these has a scholarship search that you can use to find scholarships particular to your interests and education level.

Remember, you can’t let a high tuition cost dictate whether or not you get a college education. Help is out there to make education as free as possible. By taking advantage of financial aid, you give yourself more opportunities and open the door to education.