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2009 Recovery Act Helps With Financial Aid!

Thursday Apr 22, 2010

President Obama’s Recovery Act in 2009, wasn’t only focused on jobs. The Commander in Chief realized one of the best ways to improve a citizen’s income is to advance the person’s education. As such, a major part of the Act, $225 billion of it, is dedicated to contracts, grants and loans, including college loans, and $500 million of that will have a direct impact on online colleges.

One of the more inspiring things the President has said is his acknowledgement that: “All along that education pipeline, too many people”, he said in a speech last year, “are slipping through the cracks. It’s not only heartbreaking for those students; it’s a loss for our economy and our country”. If you are interested in getting more information about online scholarships research the internet.

The stats truly are alarming. Only 29% of Americans have a college degree, where most other industrialized nations near 40%. Another statistic is that only approximately 40% of Americans who start a college program see it through to graduation. Compounding this, the price of getting a degree rises an average of 8% annually and this rising cost is a large reason for the high dropout rate of those who have started but cannot afford to continue.

One of the President’s solutions was to dedicate $500 million to colleges for new programs. He wants these courses to be available to students everywhere they can get online access, desktop to the Amazon Kindle. He is also advocating the establishment of twenty to twenty-five new course each year. For any additional information about money for college check the internet.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Board of Education estimates an online degree costs a little under 40% less than going to on-campus courses. USA Today reported last year that going on campus for a 4-year degree is $150,000, while the cost is $65,000 for a Bachelors degree at an online university.

Online classes from accredited colleges are the same as those who attend on campus schools. Taking a class this way absolutely does not mean one is taking anything easy or that passing grades are strewn about like confetti. These classes are as challenging as the top ivy league schools. In fact, some of them are offered by ivy league schools. Thanks to this and with the cost saving element, one easily sees why the President is for online education. Online school means more students for each government dollar spent, with each student getting the same competitive education.

Going online has other cost-saving benefits, too. They can include cutting commute time, possible baby sitter fees for working parents, and the wear and tear constant commuting does on vehicles, among others. Another incredible value is a student can take the course at a time that’s more convenient to his other needs, not when the course is offered on campus. This can also be of value to working parents, who need to be at home as much as possible for their children. For an abundance of information about student loans check out the web.

In all, if the program goes through the way President Obama wants to, it’s a win-win situation for both the U.S. and its citizens. College loans enable those who couldn’t on their own attend college. The country ends up with a better educated workforce at a much more cost-efficient price. Americans wind up with the ability to get into higher paying jobs and raise their standards of living. Besides loans, grants for online school may help those who have special circumstances. A better education for all – who can argue with that?

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Financial Aid Available For Online Degree!

Monday Apr 19, 2010

Students can find more online college classes available nowadays than ever, as the number of online degree programs continue to soar. Determining which scholarships and grants are applicable in your educational pursuits means finding the money to help pay for an online education.

In addition to long popular online degree programs in business, nursing, information technology and criminal justice, college catalogs for the fall 2010 semester and the web sites of virtual and traditional institutions boast a wide array of online classes and degree programs. Southern California has recently seen an increase in such degree programs at the associate degree level, and a single university in Memphis added 18 new bachelor and master’s degree programs to its existing 22 for the coming fall semester, according to reports. Distance degree offerings from these geographic areas and others now give students opportunities to pursue degrees in philosophy, history, African-American studies, the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects and more.

Scholars earlier in the 21st century anticipated a growth in online education, in part citing a 2009 high school class and constrained college campuses unable to take on increasing numbers of students. Their report, “32 Trends Affecting Distance Education”, in all forecasted a 16 percent increase in online college enrollment between 2003 and 2010.If you are interested in getting more information about grants online check the internet.

This forecast was based on high school information alone. Adults, including rising numbers of women and minorities, form a solid amount of the distance learning population. Between 1970 and 2000, the number of adult students rose 170 percent as compared to a 41 percent increase in 18 to 24-year-old students, according to “32 Trends”. Online education is said to cost about the same as physically attending college. Students browsing the Internet for online classes and online degree programs can also shop for online grant, scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Online grant applications include the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Large companies, non-profit organizations, civic groups and more provide scholarship and fellowship information online.

The education market has seen a dramatic move from classroom and lecture-room education to online education, a March Marketwire news release announced. Online education, in fact, is growing much faster than higher education as a whole, according to an article that same month in the San Diego Business Journal. More than 4.6 million students enrolled in least one online course during the fall 2008 semester represented a 17 percent increase over fall 2007 enrollments, the Business Journal reported, citing a 2009 Sloan Consortium survey. The entire higher education student population between fall 2007 and 2008, on the other hand, increased by only 1.2 percent, according to the survey information provided. For any additional information about college grants check the internet.

Virtual colleges and traditional institutions offer online classes and online degree programs. In some instances, online education offerings account for more than 60 percent of a traditional for-profit college’s revenues, the Marketwire release reported. A Memphis institution saw the number of students enrolled in its online education programs rise by nearly 50 percent in one year, according to an area newspaper known as the Commercial Appeal. Keeping up with the demand for distance education has been a challenge, one college representative reportedly told the San Diego Business Journal.

At the time the “32 Trends” report was written, for-profit higher education institutions were considered the fastest growing segment of online education. The number of degree-granting institutions, as per the report, is expected to rise into 2020 and the number of traditional campuses is anticipated to decline. The report forecasted an increase in accelerated online degree programs during this time, as well as an Information Age work force requiring continued retraining and “retooling”.

Distance educators at the time were looking at how technologies such as wireless laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), videoconferencing, video streaming, virtual reality, and gaming environments enhance distance learning. Looking ahead, the report forecasted that college accreditation and program approval is going to change, becoming more outcome-based and, by 2025, without one national accreditation system. Governments, testing companies and others, the report noted, would put testing programs into place, and large corporations would develop their own approval systems. And distance educators, to accommodate the accountability emphasis, “32 Trends” suggested, should plan ahead to maintain accreditation and meet consumer demands. Online education, the report noted, is going to evolve to focus on the student as consumer as well as on flexibility and global reach. For an abundance of information about federal grants check out the web

Those wishing to participate in distance classes will find the same types of scholarships and grants available as those attending campus-based institutions. Determining which online grants you qualify for may bring the exciting news that your college education is nearer than you thought.

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Get Financial Aid From Your Employer!

Sunday Apr 18, 2010

When people think of a McDonald’s employee, they usually think of a person who either is using this type of job as entry to the work field or who is doomed to perpetual limbo asking if customers want fries with their burgers. Actually, the land of the Golden Arches also offers a program it calls the McDonald’s USA National Employee Scholarship Program. Employees who have worked for them for only four months can get anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 a year in college grants, online or on campus. The only other proviso is that the person continue working there 15 hours a week. While this type of scholarship is for those who work for that company, other types, such as Pell grants for college, are not that job-specific. 

What many don’t realize is that college financial aid could come from a place of employment. Many companies see this as a great way to develop a high quality pool for future management. While $5,000 may not pay a full year’s tuition, it certainly helps considerably. As such, all prospective students should also fill out their FASFA forms and apply for a Pell and any other academic grant they can find. If you are interested in getting more information about online scholarships research the internet.  

Companies give employees an academic boost, which is something the web site College For Katie details. Those considering an online degree should talk with their company to see if they have any of the following: 

Direct Pay Tuition Assistance: The most direct of the forms of financial assistance. The employer pays up front for the course, certificate or degree program. The employee has no out of pocket expense. One could say this is as pure a form of financial aid outside of government grants and academic scholarships as is possible. For any additional information about money for college check the internet.  

Reimbursed Tuition Assistance: One could call it a sort of loan. The employer pays for the course, certificate or degree program after the employee has successfully completed the course or program. The employer may pay after each course or after the degree is completed. Again, reimbursement could be tied to grade point average. 

529 College Savings Program: Allusions towards a form of savings program is fairly accurate. As part of an employer’s pay contract, they offer a college savings program. The employer may match contributions made by the employee into the program. Parents in particular should think about this. 

On the Job Training: Literally the employee advances his/her education while working. Employers have developed comprehensive training programs that mix classroom and working. It’s a common method used by hospitals, particularly when they want to see a young nurse’s aid move up to a registered or licensed practical nurse. Many manufacturing operations also use this to turn their blue collar workers into white collar management. Going back to school is a hugh step, but one that can change your life and your ability to be financially successful.  If you want more information aboutstudent loans check out the web.

If you are currently working, in addition to exploring Pell grants for college, you should see what your employer offers. The listed items above are only some of the programs a corporation can possibly offer. There are others possibilities, from text book and fee refunds to time off with pay that should also be investigated. The point is that corporations see this as a superb way to up the quality of those who work for them, so they’re benefiting too. Talking with your employer will let you know if financial aid is available or if you need to go outside the company for such assistance as student loans. Consulting with a college advisor can also provide more information sources. If you have thought about going back to school to get your college degree and you are currently employed, you should check with your employer to see if they have any programs for tuition aid for their employees. There are many companys that pay for education in full. Others will pay a portion, and others will do tuition reimbursement based on grades, so it is certainly worth looking into.

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Perks To Earning Your Online Degree

Saturday Mar 20, 2010

The difference between a scholarship and a grant is simple. Scholarships are primarily given based on academic excellence. Grants are given based on need. Yes, there's a lot of gray. There are exceptional students who have living in severe financial need and an academic minimum must be met to obtain grants. That's why online colleges have financial aid officers to help a student get as much of both as possible.

At the same time, when it comes to need, nursing is a situation where the industry has its own incredible need, not just the students. You've probably heard how there's an incredible shortage of nurses in the work force. It's true, and just about everyone in the public and private sectors are doing whatever they can to get qualified students to school. When compared to many other occupations, one could say it goes way beyond the norm.

A good place to start finding out about these programs is to get on a site. Their Financial Aid and Scholarship page lists over 30 different organizations right on its front page. From there, a potential student or parent can click on the various entries on their list, fill out the forms, and very likely pay for the bulk of an online degree. These organizations can basically be broken down into four primary groups. They are:

The Government – Most students won't think twice about going to the Dept. of Education for a Pell Grant. What they often forget is their local state probably has its own school grants ready to be tapped. Another good place to consider is Sallie Mae, which not only provides grants, but low-interest loans and financial advice for prospective nurses.

Professional organizations – The American Nursing Association, one of the largest organizations, gives out nearly $2 million in grants and scholarships every year. The Florence Nightingale Foundation is specifically set up to provide grants for college for more nurses. If anyone has self-interest in seeing more nurses in the work force, it's the professional organizations. Their assistance can go from a basic baccalaureate to advanced and specialized degrees.

Private Corporations – Another organization with a heavy stake in medical professionals are corporate health/ medical corporations. Major pharmaceuticals such as Johnson & Johnson provide annual grants. The makers of Tylenol had out ten scholarships of $10,000 each and an additional 150 grants of $1,000 each. It's in a student's best interest to make a list of major health corporations and find out what they have.

Minority Organizations – Among these august organizations are the United Negro College Fund as well as organizations for any sort of American from Aleuts to Polynesians, Latinos to single mothers. A good way to start sourcing this money out is to approach local clubs and see what they have, either in information or in out-and-out money. One would be surprised what they have.

The important point is to get on a site like Medi-Smart and get to work immediately. The site actually advises students to start the financial aid applications at the same time as applying to the school itself. There is help on pell grants for college available.

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Financial Aid For Asian Students

Tuesday Mar 16, 2010

Asian Americans make up only 5% of the U.S. population, but that does not mean this group should be considered one universal ethnic group. Asian American students looking for financial aid to online schools should keep very aware of this.

 

As the largest continent in the world, Asia contains countries as diverse as China (which actually has a number of other ethnic groups inside its borders, such as), India, Viet Nam, Singapore and even Pakistan. Polynesians are also lumped into this group, even if places like Hawaii are thousands of miles away from Tokyo. If you need more information about grant online it is available on the internet.

 

 

According to the U.S. Census, the overall national average of Americans who obtain Bachelors or higher is 27%. Asian Americans average 48%. On the other hand, nationality does come into play here. For example, Indians have the highest graduation rate with just short of 68%. Chinese (of all ethnic groups) round out the middle with 50%. Laotians and Cambodians tie for the bottom at 5%.

 

What is universal is Asian Americans should fill out their FASFA form and apply for a Pell grant. This is available for all Americans. Serious consideration should also be given to various corporate and other institutional scholarships, which tend to only look at grades and outside achievements. Any good online college has financial aid officer can be of great service here. For varied information on money for college, go to the web.

 

Where an Asian American’s specific ethnicity really comes into play is through financial aid from private and corporate institutions. Asian Americans have set up many funds for their specific nationality. For instance, the Korean American Scholarship Fund awarded 59 scholarships in 2009 alone, in majors ranging from music to psychology. Their website,

also includes a page with other such organizations offering more financial aid and grants. Not to be outdone, the Indian American Scholarship Fund awarded 25 one, two and four-year grants…just in the state of Georgia.

 

So what do all these factors have to do with getting financial aid to go to an online college? Actually quite a lot. An Asian American’s nationality can play heavily for grants and scholarships outside the usual federal and state routes

 

From there, start applying. Don’t be surprised if you will have to do some sort of essay proving your qualifications, have to shake hands and play a little politics (community service is a good thing). Wash, rinse and repeat for each organization you go after. Then don’t be surprised if you get more than just the Pell, either. For an abundance of information about student loans, check out the web.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Government [Funding|Aid] For Veterans [College Education|University Education]

Tuesday Mar 2, 2010

A free ride to college is quite a thank you. But well deserved if you’ve served in the U-S armed forces. The U-S government provides millions of dollars for military service people, veterans and their dependents. The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are just two places to learn more about student loans and grants and the GI Bill.  It’s like using your years of service to pay for college.

The government’s foundation for educating veterans is the Montgomery GI bill, or MGIB. President Roosevelt signed the bill into law in 1944 after World War II.  Since then, it’s estimated the GI Bill has helped educate more than two million veterans. The plan gives veterans a monthly stipend for 36 months toward higher education. To qualify you must have served at least two years on active duty and have your high school diploma or equivalent.

If you get money through the GI Bill, you can still apply for student loans, scholarships or grants. The tax-free money is not considered financial aid since it is sent directly to the veteran or service person. However,since it counts as income, GI Bill payments can reduce your eligibility for need-based financial aid.  GI Bill money can be used for tuition, as well as fees, books and living expenses. Once you leave the military you have ten years to use your GI benefits. That means even after earning a degree, a veteran can put the GI Bill money toward independent study programs, continuing education classes, an apprenticeship of even to get a license or certificate in a particular field.

In August 2009 a new GI Bill went into effect. The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides education benefits for service members who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001. The new bill covers 100% of tuition, provides money for housing and up to $1000 a year for books and supplies. Unfortunately, the Post 9/11 GI Bill cannot be applied to courses finished before July 2009.

Armed Forces Tuition Assistance, TA, is a benefit for eligible members of all the armed services. Each division can pay up to 100%  of tuition expenses of its members. TA is not a loan, it’s like money a veteran has earned. Each arm of the military has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process. Unlike money from the GI Bill, tuition assistance is paid directly to the school.

In addition to federal and state aid, there are over $300 million in grants for college for members of the military, veterans and their families. To name a few categories, there are scholarships for disabled veterans, veterans of foreign wars, veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Even if your tuition is fully covered by the GI Bill, it’s a good idea to pursue private scholarships. The money can be used to cover the cost of books, fees, and living expenses.

Many colleges and universities are also willing to count your years in the service as class credit. The American Council on Education, ACE, can help you and your school figure out how many credit hours you earned while on duty. You may alread be ahead of the game.

There are millions of dollars available for veterans and their families to use for higher education. The U-S government provides non-taxable money through the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance. But there are also grants for college. Through these programs you can exchange your years of service for a fully paid college education. Take advantage of them, you’ve earned it.

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