Scholarships For Vocational Students
Scholarships and Resources for Vocational Students
Attending trade school can be more affordable than obtaining a four-year degree, and students can further reduce costs by applying for vocational school scholarships and financial aid. Many organizations and private companies offer scholarships based on factors such as academic merit and financial need. Learners can also apply for funding from the federal government.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average Pell Grant awarded for the 2018-2019 academic year amounted to about $4,420. Additionally, veterans and military members may qualify for specialized financial aid programs. This guide highlights scholarships for vocational students, explores the cost of vocational school, and details the steps necessary to apply for awards.
According to the NCES, the average cost of tuition and fees at public, two-year institutions was $3,700 for the 2018-2019 academic year. For the same time period, the average cost of tuition and fees at public, four-year schools was $9,200. Tuition and fees at private institutions cost an average of $18,400 at two-year schools and $35,800 at four-year institutions.
In addition to tuition and fees, prospective students should factor in living expenses when creating a budget. Students who attend trade school online often save money on transportation costs. Learners should also consider the cost of books and required materials. Trade programs in fields such as welding, cosmetology, and the culinary arts require expensive tools.
By applying for multiple vocational school scholarships and following the financial aid tips in the next section, students can significantly lower the cost of attending college.
Financial Aid Must-Dos
Step 1: Determine Eligibility for Financial Aid
Learners should complete the FAFSA form to determine whether they qualify for federal financial aid. The federal government distributes these funds primarily based on financial need. Additional factors that impact eligibility include the student’s citizenship status and criminal convictions. Applicants with a parent who died in Iraq or Afghanistan while completing military service may qualify for an extra Federal Pell Grant. Additionally, students with intellectual disabilities may qualify for additional funding.
Step 2: Complete and Submit Financial Aid Applications
While completing the FAFSA form, individuals provide information including their social security number or Alien Registration Number. Learners also submit tax documentation. Students who filed their taxes as dependents must provide their guardian’s or parent’s tax information. Some applicants may need to submit bank statements or records of investments. Students who have previously submitted a FAFSA form need their Federal Student Aid identification number to sign in. The online application takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Step 3: Know What Happens Next
Students who complete the FAFSA form online typically receive a Student Aid Report within a few days. Individuals who do not provide a valid email address or who choose to apply by mail usually receive the report in three to four weeks.
Student loans can make college attainable for many students. While learners do need to repay loans, they can help students manage expenses not covered by scholarships. Learners can apply for federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans, along with private loans.
Learners who take out federal loans may qualify for student loan forgiveness. Additionally, subsidized federal student loans do not begin accruing interest until six months after the borrower graduates or discontinues enrollment.
After submitting the FAFSA form, students receive information about their eligibility for federal loans. Students who need additional financial support can apply for private loans, but these typically require a cosigner and may have higher interest rates than federal loans.
Scholarships and Grants
Although researching vocational school scholarships and grants takes time, these awards can help learners minimize debt and out-of-pocket expenses. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment. Many schools list scholarships on their website, and a simple internet search can reveal scholarship opportunities for students in specific fields or geographic areas.
To help learners begin researching awards, the list below features scholarships for students pursuing common vocational majors. Most scholarship applications require essays, recommendation letters, and official transcripts, so students should budget enough time to gather necessary materials.
Tessa Cooper is a freelance writer and editor who regularly contributes to international and regional publications focused on education and lifestyle topics. She earned a bachelor’s in public relations from Missouri State University and is passionate about helping learners avoid high student loan debt while pursuing their dream major. Tessa loves writing about travel and food topics and is always planning her next meal or vacation.
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