The cost of going to college continues to rise across the country. Yet many people realize that there are still many benefits to earning an education. Those who have a college degree, for example, tend to be paid more on average, and they experience a lower unemployment rate. Those who are considering going to college may wonder how they can pay for it if they are low income. The good news is that they will find there are numerous education grants for veterans, and they can help make obtaining an education affordable.
Grants are considered to be gifts that are given to people to help them with their goals or to get by. Therefore, they do not ever have to be paid back, unlike loans. The education grants for veterans provide a good way to make going to college affordable, and they help you finish college without having a lot of student debt. Plus, you can apply for as many education grants as you feel you qualify for, because there is no limit to how many you can apply for or receive funds from.
Types of Education Grants for Veterans
Pell Grants – The federal government provides education grants for veterans. Pell Grants are given to those who meet the low income requirements. To qualify for a Pell Grant, you also need to be pursuing a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. You also need to be attending an accredited school, whether it is public or private. The amount you can obtain through a Pell Grant is $6,195 for the 2019-2020 school year, although the amount you receive is determined by the cost of tuition where you are attending, whether you are attending full or part time, and what your income level is. If you are approved for one of these grants, they will either send the funds to your school, to you, or a combination of the two. You will need to re-apply for the grant each year that you are attending school. You can apply for a Pell Grant anytime throughout the year. You can apply for a federal Pell Grant online. To apply, click here.
Pat Tillman Grants – Pat Tillman was a professional football player who entered the military after the attacks on September 11. He was killed in action while he was serving. His family and friends have created this program to help honor his memory. They give education grants for veterans, helping them and their family members to obtain a degree. To qualify, you have to be a veteran or active duty military, and are pursuing a degree. The application window for applying is every February. You can apply online. To apply, click here.
The American Legion – This organization that is dedicated to veterans offer a variety of grants, including for baseball, shooting, and general educational opportunities. They also provide education grants for the children of veterans. You can apply for the programs online. To apply, click here.
AMVETS – The American Veterans (AMVETS) group offers education grants each year. They give away two grants to veterans or active duty military and two grants to the children of veterans or active duty military. Grant amounts are $4,000 and $12,000, and it is divided up into four equal payments, with you receiving one payment per year for four years. The window to apply is every January through April, and then the grants are awarded by the end of May. To be eligible, you have to be a citizen, have a financial need, have a high school diploma or GED, and not have been convicted of selling or possessing illegal drugs. The education grants can be used for full or part time undergraduate courses, including online programs. You can apply for the AMVETS education grants for veterans online. To apply, click here.
Niche – This company offers a $2,000 education grant for veterans. Called the “No Essay” grant, it is open to all college students. The grant funds can be used to pay for school tuition, books, housing, or other related costs. You can apply online. To apply, click here.
There are education grants that will help veterans be able to earn a college degree. It’s important to apply for numerous grants to see what help you can obtain. The more grants you get approved for, the easier it will be to afford going to college.