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Back to school grants for adults: How to choose the right college

Do you think that you can’t qualify for grants to go back to school since you’ve passed that age? If so, my friend, you’re wrong.

You can still qualify for grants, to go back to school, available online. However, to do so, at first, you need to fill out FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Our federal government will review your application and provide you with the eligible grants and loans.

 Why will you fill out the FAFSA?

You need to fill it out because even if you don't qualify for grants, it can help you take out federal student loans.

A federal student loan is usually offered at a lower rate of interest as compared to a private loan.

You have to fill out the same FAFSA, which a high school senior will do to get access to federal back to school grants and loans for higher studies.

If you’re wondering, how to fill out FAFSA to get the most money, you can do it here.

 Federal grants to go to back to school for unemployed, dads, and moms

Check out these FAFSA grants and scholarships for college so that you can apply.

Name of the Grant Eligibility Grant Amount Additional Information
Federal Supplemental Educational Pell (FSEO) Grant Have to attend a participating school $100 - $4000
  • No need to repay
  • Early application increase chances of getting the grant
Federal Pell Grant Undergraduate students with financial need Maximum of $5,920

Grant amount based on:

  • Level of need
  • Cost of attendance
  • Part or full-time program
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate Up to $4,000 If service obligation (teaching in a low-income school for at least 4 years) not completed, grant gets converted to a student loan
Unigo $10K Scholarship Legal resident of USA Up to $10,000 “Submit a short written response to the following question: ‘Imagine a historical figure is brought back to life. Who is it? What’s their favorite mobile app?’” by Dec 31, 2018
Return2College Adults pursuing undergraduate or graduate degree $1,000 To submit a 3-sentence essay by the mentioned date
Imagine America Scholarship
  • Nontraditional students over age 21
  • Need to be a member of the Imagine America Foundation
$1,000 Award For adults trying to improve their situation through education for a specific profession

Here are some back to school grants for moms and married/unmarried women:

Name of the Grant Eligibility Grant Amount Additional Information
The Philanthropic Educational Organization - Program for Continuing Education (PCE) A US citizen who had 24 consecutive months at least as a non-student sometime in life
  • Vary by region and program
  • The maximum amount awarded to a student - $3,000
  • Lesser amounts as per individual needs
  • Need-based and merit-based grants and loans
  • Program administered through local chapters
The American Association of University Women - Career Development Grants A US citizen or permanent resident, who holds a bachelor degree, and have earned last degree on or before 30th June 2004
  • Vary by program and region
  • Scholarship value/inclusions:
    • Master’s/Professional Fellowship: $18,000
    • Doctorate Fellowship: $20,000
    • Postdoctoral Fellowship: $30,000
Scholarships offered through state and local branch offices
The Emerge Scholarship Fund Women whose education was interrupted and wish to finish school $2,000 - $5,000 Annually Merit-based program
The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund (JRF) Low-income women aged 35 and more who’re pursuing a degree or vocational training About $2,000 -
The Talbot Scholarship Foundation Women in the US and Canada who’re returning to school, and to complete min. 2 semesters for an undergraduate degree
  • Recipients awarded $15,000
  • 1 recipient awarded $30,000 scholarship
  • Given out through applicable local high schools
  • Also awards small scholarships in communities in which Talbots has a corporate presence
The AARP Foundation - Women’s Scholarship Program
  • Women aged 50 or older who’re pursuing technical/vocational education, associate degree, or first bachelor's degree
  • Priority is given to women who’ve faced certain challenges (as mentioned) in life
$500 - $5,000 Both needs and merit are considered for awarding scholarships

Apart from above, several states offer such back to school grants to the nontraditional students. You can browse online to find such grants and scholarships offered by your state.

 Tips to choose a college as an adult

Here are a few tips that can help you choose a suitable college to complete your education:

  • Make sure the institution accepts credits from other schools. Also, before enrolling, check out how much credit, from your prior institution, is accepted towards your new degree.
  • Opt for the exams much earlier than the school application deadlines. This will give you time if you have to retake the test. Moreover, you can be more relaxed if you take exams early; in turn, it can help you get good grades as you’ll be stress-free.
  • Choose a college that helps you to balance your personal and professional life along with the school. Usually, an adult learner has to balance between these things; so, choose a suitable college timing and create a plan beforehand. It will help you avoid any hurdle and pursue your education, as soon as you get admission and qualify for grants and scholarships.

If you think that you won’t be able to manage your regular classes, you can opt for a hybrid program. Doing so, you can learn at your own pace and time.

By opting for such a program, you can listen to the lectures online. Try to attend the face-to-face interaction sessions.

Some of these programs also have online interaction facility with the teachers and fellow students.

However, check out whether or not grants and scholarships are available for such a program and whether you qualify for them.

Another advantage to complete your education or for career development.

Do not miss out on the tax benefits. You can be eligible for tax breaks for returning to a school to complete your education. So, know about what benefits you can be eligible for.

So, no more alibi not to complete your education or pursue a higher degree. Do your best and achieve a better life.

You can do it!

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