Economic times are tough, but the best way to still increase one’s income is by participating in degree programs online. Still, even if you hold down a regular job while going to school, that doesn’t stop a landlord wanting the rent the first of the month. This lack of finances is a leading reason why many students drop out in their first two years.
As it happens, the Board of Education is quite aware of this. It recently developed some supplemental programs for those in need. Launched in 2006, one of these programs is the Academic Competitive Grant (or ACG). It can provide a freshman up to $750 in addition to the Pell for a total of $6,500. A sophomore can get even more, an additional $1,300, or up to $7000. For the record, the ACG is only for students in their first two years. If you need more information about online grants, look on the internet.
There are requirements that come with the ACG. First, a candidate must complete a FASFA form and apply for the Pell. The Board of Education decides if the applicant is entitled to the ACG. If so, it will send out an additional questionnaire that also must be completed.
Getting the grant doesn’t happen overnight either. One must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and take a minimum of a half-semester’s worth of courses. While the money is supplemental to the Pell Grant, the total sum granted by both can’t exceed the cost of going to the university of choice. These monies are to be used for educational purposes.
Speaking of the college, it must have an accredited program. High school is also important. The ACG require the student also go to a state recognized secondary school system. While the rules have been modified to allow for home schooling, there are two important provisos there. The first the home school must be recognized by the student’s local state. The second is the level of study must meet federal standards for “rigorousness”, i.e., it must cover certain basic points in science and the arts.
A student must also be planning to further his or her education in a predetermined group of curricula. The number of possible degrees a student can go for is pretty broad, and includes just about every form of science, tech, engineering, math, teaching and a number of liberal arts. For a full list of what is accepted, the best thing to do is go to the Board of Education’s website where further information is available. There is an abundance of information about best online degree on the web.
There is an added proviso for second year students. They must have a 3.0 average (out of a 4.0) in their freshmen year. On the other hand, the school can be either on campus or online, making this much easier for working students and parents.
The important point is that for on campus and online degree program there is supplemental money out there for those who need it. Another good source for money for college is the financial aid adviser of your preferred school.