Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Financing Your Online Education: FAFSA, Scholarships, and Student Loans for College



Although online learning cuts-down on the commuting costs of attending a brick-and-mortar school, it can still be expensive. Thankfully, you have many options to help finance your online education through grants, student loans for college, private independent scholarships, bank loans, military and corporate tuition benefits, and institutional assistance from your school.

Take the First Step with FAFSA

When it comes to needs-based financial aid for students, the first step, for both the government and your educational institution, is completing the Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). To help understand your options for education funding, visit theFAFSA website. FAFSA will determine your eligibility for Pell Grants, which average over $4000 a year, and subsidized loans. Your educational institution will then use your FAFSA to put together a package to meet your demonstrated need.
In addition to government loans, financial aid for students can come in the form of private loans from your lending institution. If you have questions about securing student loans for college, the student aid office of your intended school can help you choose the right bank to use and assist you through the process.

Your School Can Offer You the Support You Need

Online programs may also have additional tuition benefits, based on merit or other qualifications, such as military service. Contact the finance department of your future institution to receive school-specific information on their policies.
These can vary tremendously, especially among for-profit schools, so be sure you know what your potential school has to offer. As a good example, check out online giant University of Phoenix’s Paying for School, where they detail various payment options.

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