The rising costs of obtaining a higher education have many students seeking tuition grants. Student loans may be easier to get, but they require the student to begin paying them back upon graduation. The more tuition school grants students can get, the less in debt they will be once they get out of school.
Grants are available from several sources. Most states have education grant programs. Typically, funding goes directly to colleges and universities for distribution. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid or equivalent at their school and ask about available tuition grants.
Colleges may have streamlined processes that require students to only complete one grant application to be considered for all grants they are eligible to receive. If students are enrolled in a particular department within the college, such as engineering or psychology, they should also contact the department directly for information on tuition school grants. Grants can be based on academic achievement or financial need.
Grants are also available from outside sources. One resource that students tend to overlook is local foundations. Many provide grants to individuals for education purposes, usually to be applied toward tuition costs. You can find out what foundations serve your geographic area by visiting your local library. You can ask a reference librarian for assistance in locating foundations. If you know the nearest community foundation, you can contact them directly and inquire about available tuition grants. You can also ask about other foundations that may provide grants to students.
Local organizations and businesses provide tuition grants. Local groups such as VFWs, civic groups, and possibly chambers of commerce may offer education grants for members or residents of local communities. Nonprofit organizations may also offer tuition grants for students to get degrees in specific fields such as elderly care or healthcare. These grants are likely tied to the nonprofit’s mission. As a condition of the grant award, students may be required to work at the nonprofit for a specified time period upon graduation.
Businesses may provide education assistance. Some will only provide tuition grants to employees and their children. Others use education grants as a recruiting tool. They will provide tuition grants for highly qualified students who are then required to commit to work for the business for a specific time period, usually at least one year, upon graduating from college. This can be a great opportunity for students. In addition to tuition grants, they have a job lined up upon graduation.
Receiving grants to help pay for tuition costs can be a deciding factor of whether a student pursues higher education or not. Grants that can be renewed each year or that can also be used for living expenses are especially useful to students.