Every individual in the United States has a right to earn an education. The belief that every child and individual is entitled to an education is the main reason behind the nation’s public school system that ranges from kindergarten to 12th grade. Unfortunately, our free education stops there and each individual gets stuck on their own to pay for an advanced education beyond high school. Finances are often the biggest reason that many do not pursue a college degree. Education grants are available however that make it possible for those in dire financial situations to earn an education that will set them up for a successful career later in life.
Education grants are a vital part of our educational system because the cost of college tuition is skyrocketing and if that trend continues, more and more people will be denied the opportunity to earn a college degree simply because they can’t afford it. The average cost of tuition plus expenses at various schools across America is rising, with the most current data looking like this:
- Public 2-year school: average of roughly $12,000
- Public 4-year school: average of roughly $19,000
- Private, for-profit school: average of roughly $28,000
- Private, non-profit 4-year school: average of roughly $35,000
These figures represent the average annual cost of tuition plus expenses at any given type of school. A quick look makes it easy to understand how so many cannot afford to attend college in search of an advanced education.
While anyone could in theory attend college, for many that would mean taking out expensive student loans that could saddle a graduate with massive debt that could take over a decade to repay. Education grants on the other hand are funds provided by the federal government and do not have to be repaid. Generally speaking, every U.S. citizen who pays taxes is eligible to receive an education grant for school.
There are two types of education grants available in the U.S. and they are:
- Discretionary Grants: Designed to be competitive, the money obtained from these grants is not taxable and does not need to be paid back
- Cooperative Agreements: These require collaboration between the recipient and the department from which the cooperative agreement is awarded
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of education grants available each school year in the U.S. While not everyone will qualify for a grant there are certain groups within society that will find grants easier to come by than others. These groups include:
- Women: some grants are need-based; others are available simply for being a woman
- Minorities: the most famous grants come from the United Negro College Fund, but others exist for Hispanics and Native Americans as well.
- Teachers: grants are available for those who wish to become teachers upon graduation, but they may have to teach in certain areas or regions to qualify
- Technology: groups like the Association for Computer Technology offer grants to those looking for degrees in technology
- Single Parents: grants are available for single parents looking to go back to school to improve job prospects, and those looking to start a career late in life.
- Veterans: while the federally funded GI bill offers grants for veterans, there are others for those looking to achieve specific goals such as starting their own business.
Once you’ve found a grant that you are eligible for the application process is simply a matter of filling out an application. Typical information required on education grant applications includes:
- Income
- Savings
- Property
- Letters of employment
- Letters of recommendation from personal and business contacts
Grants which are need-based may have additional requirements during the application process, but the above information is generally requested on grant applications.
For more information about education grants, and even help finding grants, visit ieducation.com.