How to Get Free Money For School

Many people want to get a higher education, but have a hard time affording it. There are some resources that you can use for yourself or your family to go back to school.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Tenacity
• Patience
• Strength of Will
• Time

1. First and foremost apply for a PELL Grant or Free Application for Federal Student Aid( FAFSA) . This is a government grant you do not have to pay back. If you are a single parent, you have a great chance of having your entire tuition and books paid for up to your bachelors degree.
2. For kids who are young and just out of high school whose parents make too much money to receive the PELL, get a job. If you claim your own income and pay your parents rent, you are much more likely to get the PELL. The maximum PELL Grant for 2007-08 was $4,310.
3. There are certain conditions that have to be met. The student needs to be degree seeking. If male, the student must register with selective service.
4. When you apply for the FAFSA you are automatically considered for another type of grant called the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This grant is based on financial need, but also availability. Not all schools participate in this government funding program. If yours does, apply early on in the year, because these funds go fast. This can pay from $100 to $4000 per academic year.
5. New to the 2006-07 year is the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG). To be eligible you have to receive the PELL Grant and be a US Citizen. You must also be in your first or second year of undergraduate studies. This grant is limited to $750 for first year, and $1300 for second.
6. Grants that are geared towards certain students include the SMART Grant. Criteria for this grant include receiving a PELL Grant, citizenship in the US and pursuing certain scientific or mathematical majors, including engineering. A 3.0 GPA is also required.
   This is paid out in the third and fourth undergraduate academic year. Up to $4,000 is available to students
7. The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) will pay students to work part-time at the school they attend, and sometimes in some outside educational settings. Pay rate varies depending on the school.
8. The first step is to apply for the FAFSA. Then go to your school and ask if they have the other available grants. You must stay on top of this every term because many people are after this money. If you pursue the above listed funds, and are an eligible candidate, they will pay for your graduate degree.

Tips & Warnings

• The lower your income the better for financial aid
• There are many scholarships that will help pay for books