Online College Is A Good Option For Single Parents!
March 10, 2010 by Natasha Bright
Filed under Online Colleges
You see the ads whenever you go on the net. They claim that President Obama himself wants single mothers to go back to school. Thing is, when you peel through the layers of hype, the core of the message is true. The country’s chief executive has set up a program that actually helps single parents (not just mothers but dads, too) obtain college grants.
As it happens, the President has made a number of changes in financial aid packages, figuring online college are a good way for single moms and dads to do just that. With the help of online grants, these parents can get two-to-four year degrees just in time for the (hopeful) economic recovery.
This “education stimulus grant,” is part of the Pell Grant program. It can garner around $5,000 annual tuition, with the final amount based on previous education, the curriculum desired as well as financial need. Another program, the American Opportunity Tax Credit program, can set it up so the first $4,000 of higher education is free. For more informantion on pell grants for college, check the web.
Like all federal education grants, one must fill out a FASFA form to find out what they can get. If done correctly, they can even cover non-educational matters such as daycare, housing and other basic needs. A good way to start sourcing out these grants is to first decide what area you want to get an advance education in.
A good way to start sourcing out these grants is to first decide what area you want to get an advance education in. Then target the online schools that offer the right curriculum. Apply to those schools, and immediately introduce yourself to the institution’s financial officers. It’s this personnel’s job to help you obtain the single parent, and any other, grants they can get their hands on.
It is truly critical to realize that the federal government isn’t the only source for this kind of money. Your state and local governments have many programs, such as your local Lotto, raising funds for furthering education. The best way to find these grants is by visiting the counties family service or economic office. The unemployment office may also have state funded grants available to help single parents find a better paying job.
Another place to find out more about this is the website Grants.gov, which finds specific grants for many categories. Use “search grant opportunities” tool at the top of the page to see what grants are available. On the other hand, be very, very careful about those sites using the president’s name. What many will try to do is steer a needy student into spurious loans or similar situations. If you are looking for more information on money for college, you can research the internet.
Still, with the economy still in its doldrums, continuing one’s education with an online degree could be a very solid offer for a solo parent. If their need is great enough, they can stay home to watch their children AND get enough college grants and scholarships to afford to.
Yep, totally agree, this is a boon for single parents. Especially in this tough economy.
Till then,
Jean