How does one go about receiving grants for college, what are the qualifications to get grants?

Question

I am looking to go to college in the fall part time since I work full time and am moving out in May. I heard that people who don't live with their parents get better finncial aid and grants, but then I also heard that a person has to have a child or be married in order to get grants for college.

Any good websights or advice or info would be great. I need to get the ball rollin so I actually go to college this year instead of taking another year off.

Thanks

Answer 1

Go to the FAFSA government website. And fill out a FAFSA.

The thing is, unless you are over 24 or married you must put your parent's information on the FAFSA. There is a way to get around it, but you have to have a lot (I mean a LOT) of proof that you have no help from your parents at all. You have to talk to your college's financial aid office to do that.

If you and your parents make less than (I think) 75,000 dollars per year, you may qualify for some grants (such as Academic Competitiveness Grant)- to get a need based grant, you have to have combined incomes of less than 40,000 dollars I believe. You can also qualify for work study programs, and government subsidized student loans.

Hop on it though! FAFSAs are due by May 1st, 2008 for you to get aid in the Fall 08-Spring -09-Summer 09 semesters!!!

Financial Aid is first come first serve, so keep that in mind when reapplying next year. The earlier you apply, the more aid you can be eligible for.  Also, the FAFSA takes care of any State Aid you may recieve.

Over the summer, you should receive a letter from your college letting you know if you received Aid, where the Aid is from, and you must decline or accept that Aid before the year starts.

The best source of info though is your school's financial aid office and FAFSA's web site. If you apply online it is much quicker (plus I think required now since May 1st is so close!).

Answer 2

Unless you are 24 or married you have to apply for a grant using your parents tax returns. If you and your parents/spouse income is more than around 40,000 year, I dont think you qualify. Call your colleges financial aid office

Answer 3

you have to apply for FAFSA and if you are under 24 you have to have your parents on the form with you ...even if you dont live with them...you will have a better chance if your parents make under a certain amount like 75,000. there is the federal pell grants but that hard to get you have to make like under 40000 and if your working too It will be harder. go for a scholarship or stafford loan which is garenteed each year