14 Special Considerations

 

14.1. International Students

International students often face additional hurdles when seeking financial aid, as many scholarships and federal aid programs are restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. However, there are still opportunities available:

1. Institutional Aid

  • Many colleges and universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships specifically for international students.

  • Research the financial aid policies of your target schools to see what they offer.

2. Private Scholarships

  • Organizations like the Fulbright Program, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, and the Aga Khan Foundation provide funding for international students.

  • Use scholarship databases like InternationalScholarships.com or ScholarshipPositions.com to find opportunities.

3. … Read more...

14.2. Non-Traditional Students

Non-traditional students, such as adult learners, part-time students, or those returning to school after a break, have unique financial aid needs. Fortunately, there are resources available to support them:

1. Institutional Aid

  • Many schools offer scholarships or grants for non-traditional students.

  • Check with your school’s financial aid office for opportunities.

2. Private Scholarships

  • Organizations like the Imagine America Foundation and the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund provide awards for adult learners.

  • Look for scholarships that consider life experience, career goals, or community involvement.

3. Federal and State Aid

  • Non-traditional students are eligible for federal aid, including … Read more...

14.3. Graduate and Professional Students

Graduate and professional students often face higher tuition costs, but there are specialized resources to help:

1. Institutional Aid

  • Many graduate programs offer fellowships, assistantships, or scholarships to attract top students.

  • Research funding opportunities within your department or program.

2. Private Scholarships

  • Organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Ford Foundation offer awards for graduate students in specific fields.

  • Use databases like ProFellow or GradSchools.com to find opportunities.

3. Federal Aid

  • Graduate students can access federal loans, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, by completing the FAFSA.

  • Some federal programs, like the … Read more...

14.4. Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities may face additional costs related to their education, but there are scholarships and resources to help:

1. Disability-Specific Scholarships

  • Organizations like the Google Lime Scholarship, the Anne Ford Scholarship, and the Disabled Person Scholarship offer awards for students with disabilities.

  • Use databases like DisabilityScholarships.us to find opportunities.

2. Institutional Support

  • Many schools have disability services offices that can help you access accommodations and funding.

  • Check with your school’s financial aid office for scholarships or grants for students with disabilities.

3. Federal and State Programs

  • Students with disabilities are eligible for federal aid, including … Read more...

14.5. Veterans and Military Families

Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families have access to a variety of financial aid options:

1. GI Bill Benefits

  • The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides tuition coverage, a housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.

  • Other GI Bill programs, like the Montgomery GI Bill, offer additional benefits.

2. Institutional Aid

  • Many schools offer scholarships or tuition discounts for veterans and military families.

  • Check with your school’s financial aid office or veterans’ services office.

3. Private Scholarships

  • Organizations like the Pat Tillman Foundation, the AMVETS Scholarship Program, and the Folds of Honor Foundation provide awards … Read more...

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