Tips for Finding a Non-Traditional Grant

Many non-traditional students in the United States are returning to school to pursue a college education. These students are increasingly recognizing the importance of finishing a college degree. Who exactly are non-traditional students? The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) recognizes that there is no exact description for non-traditional students. However, NCES suggests that age and part-time status are important factors in determining such type of students. Non-traditional students include those who are over the age of 25. These students also include those who did not immediately enroll in college after graduating from high school and went straight to work. This category of students also includes military personnel and adult workers who are studying via online education.
The increasing popularity of online education has significantly increased the population of non-traditional students. Many students now prefer this mode of education because of its convenience and flexibility. It is also more cost effective as compared to attending a regular classroom program. Most of online education students are those that are already working and have their own families. They are not only balancing their career and work lives but also their educational life. Many colleges and universities have noticed the importance of online education, thus they are now offering their own online undergraduate and post graduate programs.
Although there are fewer grants for non-traditional students, many universities and organizations still provide financial assistance to support such students. Here are some helpful tips if you plan to apply for a non-traditional grant. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form if you wish to apply for a federal grant. Your FAFSA will determine if you are qualified to any federal grants including Pell Grant, PLUS Loans and Stafford Loans. These federal loans are offered to low-income students to help them get through college. The FAFSA form is available at FAFSA’s website and at all accredited schools’ financial aid department.

You can also visit the websites of different colleges and universities to check if they are offering a non-traditional grant. Check to see if there are any conditions for qualifying for their grants. Some universities will require you to teach in high-need areas in exchange of getting a grant while others may require you to do research work. There are also schools that offer grants but only for full-time students who are attending a four-year program. This could be a problem for part-time non-traditional students who are working.

You can also check websites that provide a list of scholarships and grants available for non-traditional students. Such websites not only have a list of federal grants but also a list of grants from private organizations. There are also websites that provide information on grants available for minority, non-traditional students. Although you can find much information about a non-traditional grant online, you can also read books for non-traditional students. Such books will not only guide you in finding a grant but will also provide financial advice as well as other tips on how to survive college life.