Federal financial assistance is also available to help you pay for college. In fact, approximately two-thirds of all student financial aid comes from federal programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The programs are outlined in detail in the “Student Guide” from which the following information is taken.
You can find out about federal and other student aid from the following sources:
The financial aid administrator at each school in which you are interested can tell you what aid programs are available there and the total cost of attendance.
The Internal Revenue Service Publication 970 outlines tax benefits for postsecondary students. You can get a copy of Publication 970 by calling 1-800-829-1040. You can also view or download the publication from the Internet at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf.
The state higher education agency in your home state can give you information about state aid—including aid from the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program, which is funded jointly by individual states and the U.S. Department of Education.
The agency responsible in your state for public elementary and secondary schools can give you information on the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship (Byrd Program). To qualify for aid under the Byrd Program, you must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued academic excellence.
Students.gov, the student Internet gateway to the U.S. Government, provides access to Government resources to assist students in planning and paying for their education. Students.gov is a federal initiative designed to make interacting with the Government easier for students. In addition to finding financial aid information, students can use the website to file their taxes, search for a job, and take advantage of other Government services.
The public library is an excellent source of information on state and private sources of aid. In addition, many companies, as well as labor unions, have programs to help pay the cost of postsecondary education for employees, members, or their children. Be sure to check foundations, religious organizations, fraternities or sororities, and town or city clubs. Include community organizations and civic groups. Do not overlook aid from organizations connected with your field of interest. For example, the American Medical Association or the American Bar Association are good sources for students seeking specialization in those fields.
The U.S. Armed Forces also offer financial aid opportunities. For example, as a member of the Army National Guard, you can apply to attend the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, a federal merit-based scholarship program that will pay for your tuition, fees, and books, and provide you with a monthly tax-free subsistence allowance. The Army National Guard also offers tuition assistance and other educational benefits.
If you are a veteran or the dependent of a veteran, veterans’ educational benefits may be available. Check with your local Department of Veterans Affairs office. Information is also available at www.gibill.va.gov.
The Internet also has information on private sources of aid. Search under the keywords: “financial aid”; “student aid”; “scholarships”, etc.