Most students rely on various forms of financial aid, piecing together funds from a range of different sources. In this section, you'll find an overview of the college funding options available to you. Between federal grants, loans, work-study, and special aid programs, you'll find that a college education is more affordable than you think.
Grants and Scholarships
Also known as 'gift aid,' grants and scholarships provide 'free' college funding. The most common federal grants are the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). You may also qualify for state and institutional grants.
Thousands of scholarships are available, from your school, company, or any number of private organizations. Scholarships typically reward excellence in a certain area, such as academics, sports, or arts.
Grants and Scholarships offers an overview of gift aid programs, including where to find them and how to apply.
Student Loan Basics
Which loans offer the best terms? What's the difference between a subsidized and an unsubsidized loan? How do I qualify? Student Loan Basics answers these questions, and guides you through the available loan options. The federal government offers several low-interest loan programs, including the Perkins, Stafford, and Parent Federal PLUS Loans.
Federal Work-Study
Earn money for your education through this government-subsidized, need-based employment program. Many students rely on work-study positions to supplement their basic financial aid package. Federal Work-Study Programs discusses the unique benefits of work-study jobs.
AmeriCorps Student Aid
Serve your community and gain access to college funding at the same time. Americorps, a national community service organization, offers full-time educational awards in return for service work. You can accrue benefits before, during, or after your college degree and apply them either to current educational expenses or loan repayment. Find out more about the Americorps Student Aid program.
Military/ROTC Student Aid Overview
The U.S. military maintains a proud tradition of funding college education. In return for service in the armed forces, you can qualify for ROTC scholarships, the Army College Fund, the Montgomery GI Bill, the College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP), and more. The Military/ROTC Student Aid Overview takes you through the higher education benefits available to you as a member of the armed forces.
College education is a major investment, but you'll find a wealth of resources to help you cover the costs. Many programs are readily accessible via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but others are a bit harder to find. This guide can help you take full advantage of your financial aid options.
Author: Sonja Albrecht
Source(s)
Yahoo! Financial Aid Overview
http://education.yahoo.com/college/financial_aid/articles/financial_aid_options_overview.html
Federal Student Aid Funding Education Beyond High School
http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2006-2007/english/otheraidsources.htm#americorps
Princeton Review
http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/finance/articles/tools/basics.asp
Starting in the 2009 tax year, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), more parents and students will qualify over the next two years for a tax credit, the American Opportunity Credit, to pay for college expenses.
The American Opportunity Credit is not available on the 2008 returns taxpayers are filing during 2009. The new credit modifies the existing Hope Credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making the Hope Credit available to a broader range of taxpayers, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax. It also adds required course materials to the list of qualifying expenses and allows the credit to be claimed for four post-secondary education years instead of two. Many of those eligible will qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student.
The full credit is available to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less, or $160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return. The credit is phased out for taxpayers with incomes above these levels. These income limits are higher than under the existing Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits
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