The College Board reports that people who have a higher level of education have a better chance at making a decent salary.
For this reason, going back to school may appeal to you. The only thing that probably makes you hesitate is how difficult it will be to pay for higher education.
With the cost of college rising each year, it can make you feel as though you are standing between a rock and hard place.
You so desperately want to go to school so you can better yourself and your career to provide for you and your children, but you just don’t see how it could ever fit into your budget.
Luckily, there are many ways you can pay for school without having to take out a college loan. You can apply for educational grants.
Educational Federal Grants Available
Since your household only has one working adult, you have much more of a chance to secure a grant, especially if you don’t make a lot of money at your current place of employment. This is important since most educational grants are based on financial need.
The first place to look for educational grants for single mothers is the Federal Government. They have money set aside for this specific reason – to help single mothers and others less fortunate financially to go to back to school in hopes of making a better income later.
The Federal Pell Grant
To qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, you have to be a student that doesn’t already have a degree. The most you can receive from this grant is $5,550 per year. You can use this towards tuition, books and other school items.
Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant
This grant is only available for as long as there is money in the fund. You have to qualify for the Pell Grant and you have to be in financial need. The amount awarded is between $100 and $4,000. Click here for more information
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant)
Do you want to become a teacher? If so, you might be eligible for the TEACH grant. The only stipulation is that you need to be enrolled in a school that is part of the TEACH grant program.
So if you want to qualify for this grant, you’ll need to figure out about the school you plan to attend and review the financial need requirements. More information about the program
How to Apply for Federal Grants
Applying for grants is easy with the Federal Government. Simply go to www.studentaid.ed.gov and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You can also get this form from the school you plan to attend. It’s best to do this as soon as you know which school you want to attend as some grants do run out, like the Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant.
How to Find Other Grant Opportunities
Many schools have their own grant programs you might be eligible for but you need to ask for them. Make sure to ask your financial advisor about it.
You can also check with your local government as they may have programs in your community you may qualify for.
Check with social services for educational financial assistance. They often hear about grants and other financial assistance opportunities as soon as they come out.
Keep Applying for College Money
The more grants you apply to the better your chances of receiving enough to cover your college costs. Also, don’t stop applying after you’ve started school.
You can be eligible for grants each year so continue to look out for them. With perseverance and a little hard work you can make your dream of higher education and a higher salaried career a reality.
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