The United States Government offers education grants and aids to nearly all eligible students so that they can pursue higher education, notwithstanding their social or financial status.
Pell Grants
The government provides Pell Grants to low-income undergraduate and certain postgraduate students. All students enrolled in a participating postsecondary institution are eligible for a Pell Grant.
A student’s expected family contribution (EFC), cost of attending the institution, his enrollment status and whether he attends the full semester are some of the factors that determine the amount he receives under the Pell grant.
College Grants
A college grant is available for students who wish to pursue higher education across a number of fields, including, but not limited to:
- Music
- Literature
- Environmental conservation
- Nutrition
- Health
- Human services
- Law
- Science
- Technology
- Athletics
- Social services
Stafford Loans
When financing their education, Stafford loans are usually the first choice of American students. These are fixed-rate student loans for college and university students to supplement personal and family resources, scholarships, grants, and work-study. They are one of the most affordable means to pay for an education and are available for most undergraduate and graduate students.
Utility
Stafford loans can be used to pay for all education expenses, including tuition, housing, books and other learning material, transport and more.
Types
Subsidized Stafford loans are awarded based on financial need assessed by the school that the student is enrolled in. The federal government pays interest on the student’s behalf until he or she begins repayment.
In the case of unsubsidized Stafford loans, interest is charged from the time the loan is granted until it is fully repaid. Any eligible student can avail of this type of loan, regardless of financial need.
Benefits
Reasonable Interest Rate
A subsidized undergraduate Stafford loan bears a fixed interest rate as low as 5.60% and an unsubsidized one 6.60% throughout the lifetime of the loan and its repayment. This interest is tax deductible.
No Credit Check
As in the case of federal grants, nearly all college and university students are eligible for Stafford loans irrespective of their credit status.
Affordable Repayment Terms
The student need not begin repayment until after he graduates. Additionally, he has the option of choosing a repayment plan that fits his budgetary needs. Some repayment plans even allow repayment of a loan over a period of years up to 25.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria to apply for a Stafford loan are relatively simple.
- The student must be a citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen of USA.
- He should have submitted a FAFSA and be accepted for enrollment at least half-time in a school that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program.
- He should not have previously defaulted on an education loan or owe a refund on an education grant.
Amount
The amount that can be borrowed by a particular student depends on his grade level and other education funding that he may be employing. The lender disburses the Stafford Loan funds directly to the school in one installment per semester.
Students across the USA depend on these grants and financial aids. Now, with the capability to apply for a grant online, it has become even easier for them to fulfill their aspirations of higher education.