How to Get Grant to Study Online
If you are part of those who pull of their formal education due to financial challenges, we are here with a guide for you on how to get grant to study online
A lot of people are willing to enroll in distance learning for reasons such as present job, or family responsibility but in doubt if they could be able to access grants to fund their online studies.
There are online grants that you can access easily for your study. Prices are always inflating, and just like traditional on-campus degrees, online programs accept funding to ease the sting of breaking off a hefty price tag.
With the number of students enrolled in distance learning courses on the rise, it’s even more necessary that students know their financial aid options.
Funding cost may be a concern for prospective students considering online college programs due to the popular misconception that financial aid for online degree programs are limited compared to on-campus degree programs financial aid.
This article will reveal what you need to know in accessing a study grant for your online programs.
Be informed that students in online programs can take advantage of federal, state and institutional financial aid, which can come in the form of merit- or need-based scholarships and Grant to Study Online
What is An Online College Grant?
An online college grant is a one-time award of money, based on merit or financial need. Unlike online student loans, grants represent free money that generally will not need to be paid back.
In addition, you can get free grants from the federal government, state government, your college, and a variety of private sources, such as trade and professional associations.
Forms of Grants for Online College:
There are five different ways to get grants for online college and they are need-based, merit-based, corporate, professional association, and academic departmental. They are further explained as thus:
1. Need-based: Need-based grants offer either full or partial tuition coverage based on financial need and it is usually offered by the federal government.
The gap between expected family contribution (EFC ) and total cost of attendance will determine whether you qualify for these grants. Your first step to applying for need-based grants for online college is to fill out the FAFSA application.
2. Merit-Based: While several people hold the belief that merit-based grants are majorly for A-class students, it is not always true.
If you are the type that can volunteer and take on leadership roles for your hobby and can routinely take on projects reflecting an interest in a field, then your motivation and passion may qualify for a merit-based scholarship.
3. Professional Association: In addition to professional development workshops, networking, and mentorships, professional associations often have an annual budget prepared towards grants or scholarships.
To get a professional association directory relevant to your career path, search for your field (such as “engineering ”) and add the term “professional association”. Then go into associations’ direct websites and dig around for keywords like “student resources” or “member education.”
4. Corporate: Several companies offer grants for students whether you’re working there or not. More common amongst large companies, these grants are usually available to (but not always limited to) employees, spouses/partners, as well as children of employees.
To check for corporate grants first look for major corporations with a foundation or endowment in its business structure (these can usually be used towards causes like grants for online classes).
Check with all the major corporations located or headquartered in your state.
5. Academic Departmental: When you are well acquainted with the academic discipline you want to go into, it is possible for you to get access to a specific trove of financial aid sources.
Departmental grants are tailored towards students majoring in a specific field. Looking within the department at your college can help narrow down your options (as well as keep the competition limited to your peers).
Sources of Grants?
Knowing the funding sources will enable you navigate and find relevant grants to study online more efficiently. Scholarships.com, CollegeGrant.net, and FastWeb.com are all reliable starting points to finding grants that come from all kinds of sources, and available to students from all walks of life.
First, let’s briefly discuss the different types of grants:
1. Federal or Public
The U.S. Department of Education is a great source of grants and financial aid nationally. Yearly, it gives out approximately $150 billion in grants, work-study funds, and loans to more than 15 million students. Grants.gov is a great starting point to find and apply for federal grants.
Examples of public/federal grants are
- Pell Grants
- Supplementary Education Opportunity Grant
- Academic Competitiveness Grant
- SMART(Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) Grant
- TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant.
2. State
Aside Federal grants, states also offer educational grants which tend to be more of merit-based than need. Requirements vary state by state, so check with your state’s official website to find out whether you might be eligible and how to apply.
3. Private
There are private grant to study online that you can easily locate on the Internet. Use search terms related to your personal characteristics (such as gender, ethnicity, and career interest).
By starting with a database that lists updated grants, you might be able to scope out a few private grants. You can get private grants for online college by searching the websites for any group to which you may belong.
4. Institutional
Institutional Aid is a financial aid for students which is directly from the institution. This is especially common at private colleges, where endowments for institutional grants make up a significant portion of financial aid packages.
Unlike federal and state aid, institutional aid amounts vary greatly from one college to the next.
Grants for Master Degree in Education
How to Locate Grants for Online College?
While searching online, it helps to enter keywords like “Adult Skills,” “Non-Traditional,” or “Continuing Education”. Several other scholarships will require reading of the description to identify them as non-traditional.
As a student weighs his or her financial aid options for online courses, here’s what to remember:
1. Make sure you confirm a school is accredited.
2. Fill out the FAFSA each year to receive federal aid and work-study eligibility.
3. Note financial aid deadlines and apply early.
4. Research or talk to financial aid offices about additional aid like scholarships.
Best of luck…