Are you considering going back to school, but you know it will be hard to fit it into your schedule since you are working and you have children? Did you know that you can use accelerated online college courses to get your degree faster than the traditional way and to work around your schedule?
You probably have a lot of questions and the goal will be to answer some of those questions right now. Here are some things you can consider.
1. How will you pay for your online school?
The good news is that most online colleges will accept cash, check, or credit card. Okay so that is a bit of a joke, but the things you should know is that the online world of education is not much different than going to a traditional college when it comes to financial aid.
You will still fill out a FAFSA form and find out if you are eligible for the pell grant and for student loans. They also accept any scholarships you have been awarded as well.
2. How will you actually take your classes?
Since you will not be sitting in a classroom with the accelerated online college courses you are probably wondering how it will all work. The online world is very flexible and you will typically have to log on 5 times a week for at least a few minutes for attendance. This will usually involve a discussion board that you will post on.
You will also have to complete assignment by a deadline, but there is not set class time for accelerated online college courses. This means that if you want to take your classes in the middle of the night you can or if your only free time is in the morning, then you can do your work then.
3. When can you start?
The last thing that must be discussed is when you are able to start your schooling. This is very important and you need to understand that you can probably start within the next 6 weeks. When you do an accelerated program online you are going to be taking 2 classes every 6 weeks and that means if you apply now you can start when the next 6 week period starts.
That is another benefit because if you decide you need a little time off it is just a 6 week break and not a 3 month break.
Can I Get Grants for Online College?
Did you know that grants for online college are the same grants available to students that attend brick-and-mortar institutions? That’s right – every education is equal in the eyes of the government, regardless of location or class structure (provided that you and the school both qualify to receive the funds). So if you thought that finances would hold you back from getting the degree of your dreams, think again – fill out those applications ASAP!
Grants for Online College – A Basic Qualification Checklist
Not every college is eligible to receive federal financial aid – your school of choice must be legitimately accredited and enrolled in the federal grant program. The university’s website should clearly state if they accept aid, but always do some extra research just to make sure. Never give any money to a school until you have talked with a live representative to discuss payment.
Here is a short list of factors that may influence whether you are eligible to receive grants for online college:
- You have a high school diploma or equivalent
- You have demonstrated significant financial need
- Your parent’s income (if you are under the age of 24)
- You do not owe a refund on past grants and are not in default on a federal loan
- You intend to enroll at least part time in a degree-eligible curriculum
- You have submitted your FAFSA application by the deadline
These are only a handful of the qualifications. Your actual eligibility depends on a complicated formula decided by the federal government or other grant-awarding organization. Even if you do not satisfy all of the above requirements you should apply anyways – the results may surprise you! If you decide that you do not want or need the grants for online college, you are never under any obligation to accept them.
Your grant package may not be enough to cover the full cost of tuition, but the FAFSA application also happens to qualify you for great deals on government-subsidized student loans. Student loans are usually written to much more agreeable terms than standard loans – they’re designed especially for busy students who have yet to start their careers.
Stay safe on your search for school funding by getting your information straight from your admissions representative – these professionals are the only people who are qualified to tell you if your financial aid package will be honored. Grants for online college are well within your reach; all you have to do is apply and wait!