College Grants for Single Parents
Getting a college education can be one of the biggest and smartest moves to make throughout your life, but many individuals are put off by the idea due to the expenses it incurs – especially single parents, as money may not be so freely available for what you may consider a frivolous expense. College grants for single parents can make the idea seem a lot more realistic and considering that a college education can help you get a better job, the idea seems less frivolous and becomes almost compulsory. This will be a long term solution for you rather than having to rely on grants and other means to cover your expenses.
There are different ways a grant can be funded – it can be received from educational institutions, professional individuals or associations and private organizations. One of the most common sources for college grants for single parents is via the Federal and State Government; they have several grant programs available for single parents as well as other programs that are not necessarily aimed solely at single parents but they will still be useful for you.
As you may have already identified, a grant has a huge advantage over a student loan – you don't have to pay it back, making it a fantastic and preferable choice for many individuals, including single parents.
There are various different factors that determine eligibility for a grant. The main one being a low income. This factor is one that obliges too many single parents, making grants an ideal choice compared to a student loan. Below are two examples of available Federal college grants for single parents:
The Federal Pell Grant is the first example. There are a number of requirements to meet specific criteria other than demonstrating financial needs. You must be seeking your first undergraduate degree, and must be a U.S. Citizen having already achieved a high school degree or GED. The Federal Pell Grant can award anything up to $5,350, and is determined by your financial need, whether you will be attending full time or part time, and the basic cost of education.
The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, (FSEOG) is the second example. If you are already receiving a Pell Grant, then you have priority to also receiving the FSEOG. The FSEOG is awarded to individuals with the greatest financial needs, and you can expect to receive anything between $100 and $4000. It works in a similar way to the Federal Pell Grant, your College will have apply for you, and they will fund you either via Check or deposit directly into your College Account.
Above are two examples of federal college grants for single parents. You will have to demonstrate your financial needs in order to be awarded funds, and your College will have to apply for you. To determine your eligibility for Federal Grants, and other types of Financial Aid, you will have to create a FAFSA, or what's know as a Free Application for Federal Student Aid – it's strongly advised that you speak with the Financial Aid Officer at the College(s) you wish to attend for more information.