Obama Offers Federal Financial Aid for Unemployed Americans

(EMAILWIRE.COM, August 08, 2009 ) Out of work? Reading the Â“Help WantedÂ” ads night after night, looking for a job, but lacking the skills or credentials necessary to land one in todayÂ’s tight job market? Learn more about the ways that the federal government can help you get money to go back to school and advance your education, so that you can get back to work.

President Obama is encouraging Americans who are currently unemployed to go back to college and earn a degree. He emphasizes the availability of federal grants and loans designated for higher education assistance. Some examples of federal aid you might be eligible for include federal student loans and Pell Grants.

Federal student loans are monies available to college students with good to excellent credit ratings. They can be used for tuition expenses, books, and fees, or to meet other expenses, such as food or housing, while a student is enrolled in college. Eligibility is based on credit ratings rather than financial need or income.

Depending on your family income, you may also be eligible to receive a Pell Grant. A Pell Grant is a federal aid grant that does not have to be repaid. If you have already received a Bachelor Degree, you are not eligible for a Pell Grant, but most colleges and universities have a number of other scholarships for which you may qualify. Check with the universityÂ’s Financial Aid Office for details. Remember that financial aid is also available for on line study.

If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits, you may have received a letter from the state workforce agency that advises you to consider getting further education or vocational training. Persons who are planning to return to college should take that letter to the Financial Aid Office at the college or university which they plan to get their degree at. The federal government is presently working with these institutions to locate federal aid monies to help finance college tuition.

Even if you received a letter, though, be aware that this isnÂ’t a guarantee of financial aid. Many colleges and universities, however, have developed special financial aid packages to assist persons who have recently lost their jobs or are no longer employed. Work with the financial aid adviser to develop a package that can help to meet your college tuition needs.
For more information about federal financial aid or federal student loans, visit www.degree.com. Degree.com, the premier portal for online degree study is also committed to keeping you updated on the latest information concerning the federal governmentÂ’s efforts to help students with higher education needs. DonÂ’t miss out on getting financial assistance for the degree that will help you get your career back on track with online study your fastest path.

Degree.com
Sheila Danzig
954.905.4942
sheila@danzig.com