Single Parent Grants for Continuing Education

Oct 29
12:35

2009

Peter West

Peter West

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With all the time commitments and financial responsibilities a parent has when they are on their own, the last thing they usually think they can afford is college. Fortunately, the there are now grants for single parents funded by the government which can make going back to school a lot more affordable.

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Earning your degree is perhaps the most important thing you can do in order to improve your life,Single Parent Grants for Continuing Education Articles and depending on your current financial situation you may qualify for many different programs. In order to apply, simply contact the Financial Aid department of the school you are attending.

The best thing about single parent grants for education is that unlike student loans which must be paid back, grants for single parents are given to you with no strings attached. One of the best known and easy to qualify for financial assistance programs is the National Pell Grant. The eligibility for this grant is determined for the most part by your financial situation. As long as you meet the income guidelines you will usually qualify. The amount you stand to receive from these program can be anywhere from $400 to $4500, but it is difficult to place a cap on it as it is always being raised.

This and many other single parent grants may be applied for by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as a FAFSA form. This form is the standard for all institutions in order to determine your financial eligibility to receive federal assistance. After filling out the form, you may also be required to discuss your financial situation in detail with an admissions officer. If you do indeed qualify to receive this financial aid, it will be paid directly to the educational institution where you will be attending. This way you don’t have to go through the bother of cashing a check and paying them directly.

Because loans must be paid back eventually, Pell Grants for single parents are a much more preferable way to pay for your education. As such this should be the first program you look at when applying for college. There are no hidden fees to pay and the money is given freely to low income individuals. Another option you may want to look into is a work-study program, but this is not always the best route for parents who are already overworked.

You may also find that some Graduate programs will offer to pay your tuition for you. There are usually stipulations involved however, such as enrolling in particular fields of study and being a full time student. Other places to turn to for single parent grants include churches, employers, and certain charities.

Hopefully this short article has given you a better understanding of what single parent grants are available and the steps you must take in order to apply.