Thinking About Giving Up School? Think Again: 5 Tips to Keep You Focused And Confident

Thinking About Giving Up School? Think Again: 5 Tips to Keep You Focused And Confident

 

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Do you ever wonder what you're doing it all for? The long hours, the late nights, the homework and the hassle? Not to mention the major expense. Ever feel like it’s all for naught? Ever feel like you'd be better off working at a mediocre job the rest of your life?

You're not alone. Most college students, I myself included, have felt this way at least once in their college careers. As for me it is like a weekly occurrence. It's hard to stay motivated when you are feeling burnt out and in debt. It's hard to keep going when you hit the wall of panic, but you've got to push through it because you and I both know that deep down you really enjoy what you're learning and know that earning your degree is the key to getting the job you want and following your dream.

So how exactly do you push through that rough patch? Keep these 5 tips in mind next time you start to freak out.

1. Think Positively

I know this one seems a lot easier said than done but I promise you, if you try it it will help. Close your eyes and imagine your dream job, imagine your ideal life, indulge a little in a nice little daydream. Now, once you have this pictured in your mind, think of the steps it’s going to take to get there. Earning your degree is one of those steps isn't it? Re-assure yourself that you are doing the right thing and it is worth it. Tell yourself that you're going to get through it and you're going to do great. Seriously, thinking positively about the situation will work wonders for your attitude.

2. GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALS

That's goals plural, meaning start with baby steps and work up. Far too often when we as students make goals we focus too much on the end goal and disregard the teeny tiny goals that we need to make along the way. Reaching your goal will be much, much easier if you have a plan and a system that begins small. Set short term (very short term) and long term goals to help you get to that main goal.

3. Avoid Stress

I'm sure you're thinking I'm crazy on this one. Most people that participate in online classes usually have kids, or full time jobs, or both, meaning stress is not only impossible to avoid but a common presence in all aspects of daily life. But, I promise you, if you can get a handle on your stress you will be able to think more clearly, finish your homework, and take care of your kids. Reward yourself with a little alone time and a few deep breaths, go for a jog, or take a hot bath, whatever it is that relaxes you do it! It will keep you focused and will keep your mind in the right place.

4. Reward Yourself

Going back to goal setting, when you set a goal decide on a reward that you will give yourself once you reach that goal. Use positive, encouraging rewards to keep you on the right track. Some goals can be destructive so be careful (junk food ring any bells?).

5. Surround Yourself With Support

Your support system can make or break you. Make sure you surround yourself with family and friends that want to see you succeed and help you along the way. You may need help along this journey so you will need people that you can trust that will help you. A support system can cheer you on when you feel like giving up, they can babysit your kids, and you can share your victories with them. Being accountable to others and knowing that you have friends on your side that love you will work wonders for your confidence.

 

The 8 Common Mistakes of Online Students

If you're just starting out as an online student you may make a few mistakes but hopefully with my help you can be a little more aware of what you're jumping into. Here are the top 8 most common mistakes that new online students make.

1. Signing Up With a Non-Accredited School

This may come as a surprise to you but there are many schools out there that will rip you off! These schools are not accredited, meaning if you earned a degree from a non-accredited school your degree wouldn't be worth anything anywhere. If you make the mistake of going to a non-accredited school the credits you earn there (if any) will not transfer to a school that is accredited. Do your research!

2. Biting Off More Than You Can Chew

This is a big one. Not only will you have to budget out your class time with work and other activities you absolutely must budget in study time or you may find yourself falling behind quickly. A good rule of thumb is for every one hour of class time you have, budget two hours of study time.

3. Forgetting To Take Your Learning Style Into Account

Consider how you learn. Do you learn better with hands on activities? Do you retain more by listening to a teacher and writing notes? Or can you learn by reading? Students that need hands on activities and visuals may have a harder time learning in an online setting. If you can retain information from reading online, than you may fair better.

4. Not Matching Your Technology With The Schools

In other words, dial up internet isn't going to cut it. You have to have a good computer and a steady, fast internet connection. You don’t want to be wasting your time waiting for the internet to load up any time that you have to do your homework.

5. Not Researching Your Teacher

Make sure your teacher is experienced at teaching online courses. Check out the professor before committing to the course. Teachers teaching for the first time may still be figuring things out.

6. Taking Too Many Classes At Once

Many students take on way more than they can handle. Just because a class is online does not mean that it is any easier than a traditional class. When you're first starting out try just one class at a time, until you feel like you can increase your work load.

7. Just Because It's An Online Course, Doesn't Mean You Can Plagiarize

Don't think that you can get by copying and pasting your essays. Most online schools have anti-plagiarism softwares installed.

8. You're Not Interested In Being Part Of A Team

Most of the curriculum for online courses is having a discussion online. If you are unwilling to participate in the class discussion and work on problems and assignments as a team, you won't be able to complete most of your assignments.

Do You Have an Impractical Major? Never Fear!

 

Do You Have an Impractical Major? Never Fear!

 

 

 

Let me first preface this post by saying that I am a Painting/Drawing Major, meaning I probably won't have a job when I graduate. This thought used to discourage me until I discovered some information that really showed me the light: There are practical things to do with an "impractical" degree.

First of all let me mention that I honestly believe that no degree can really be that impractical. Maybe you won't go down the path that you had intended, but you will get something. Often time’s employers are looking for people with degrees because earning you degree is an arduous, expensive, and tiresome process. Having your degree shows determination and the ability to accomplish long term tasks. For me this means, that even if I don't have a job somewhere in the art field or just don't cut it as a painter, that I will have a degree that will look good on a resume that will get me a job.

Also, with every degree there are hundreds of possibilities. For instance you may get a degree in English and fall into a job that requires a lot of writing or reading that you never expected. Or you may find that you want to become a lawyer. English majors have a very nice base of education for becoming lawyers.

My advice: find what you truly love. For example with my art major I was able to get an internship at an art museum. I once thought that I might be interested in earning my doctorate and becoming a museum curator. Alas, when the internship was over I couldn't wait to get out of that museum. Then and there I decided that I wanted to paint.

I believe that if you follow your dreams you will find something that you love to do. Who knows what will happen, and who knows if I will ever be the self employed painter that I want to be. But I do think that following what you love is commendable and you can learn so much about yourself in the process.

I knew a girl once that was an art major like me that started working as an accountant to get through school and found that she absolutely loved it. You never know what will happen, the best you can do is to do what you love. I don't know about you but if I gave up painting for a degree for a job that I was sure to have financial security and good money I may be better off, but I wouldn't be completely happy. I think that is what is important.

Super Foods Make Super Students!

Super Foods Make Super Students!

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Ever heard of the freshman 15? When you consider the foods that make up a college students daily diet, the freshman 15 is quite plausible. In my opinion, with the foods that my peers and I eat often I wouldn't be surprised if it was called the Freshman 30. Now, I am surely no freshman, but I have certainly experienced weight gain in college.

 

I think the main reason for this is time. Students don't have time to shop for groceries. (Not to mention the money it takes to buy groceries.) Students don't have time to come up with creative recipes that are full of nutrients. And students definitely don't have time to actually cook! Most students will go to school all day, and probably spend most of their day at a job. The last thing they want to do when they get home is cook or go grocery shopping!

 

Most students are in the fun time of their life’s that dating and a social life takes priority over almost everything, even school work. Students are also, for the first time, living on their own. Mom and Dad aren't around to make sure that you're eating your vegetables.

 

      Even students like me, with families and jobs, can find it hard to eat healthy. There's just not enough time in the day and when you need to keep going, it’s easy to just grab a bag of chips or make a trip to McDonalds.

 

Whatever the reason is for poor nutrition in college students, nutrition affects your performance.

I'm sure you've heard the old adage "You are what you eat", and it is so true. If you put a poor grade gasoline in your car and never change the oil, the car will not perform to its full capacity and will eventually break down. Think of your body as a car. Take care of it and it will take care of you. You might even find that you have more energy to do all the things that you need to. And you might even find that you get better grades.

 

Eat This Not That

First of all remember to eat breakfast. Your brain is tired in the morning and needs fuel to get going, feed it! If you're in a hurry and don't have time to sit down and eat cereal or make a big breakfast, think simply and buy a box of granola bars, or some yogurt. Throw a few fruits in a smoothie and drink it on your way out.

 

Second, snacks. It is so easy to grab a candy bar from the vending machine at school or a soda when you're starving and in class. Instead, try taking healthy snacks with you. Seeds and nuts are a great alternative and full of natural energy and vitamins to keep you going.

 

When you get home from school and are tired and worn out, instead of making a box of Mac and cheese, try tossing a salad. It really doesn't take long, just an extra effort at the grocery store. Use all sorts of greens and vegetables to get all the nutrients that you need namely spinach, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes. Top with a dressing and you've got dinner in minutes.

 

Eating healthy does require some extra attention and effort on your part but it is worth it! You will find that you feel better, have more energy and do better in school and work. You can get creative and find ways to save time. No matter what you do, do it for yourself, you're worth it!

Top 5 Cons of Online Education

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While distance education is very beneficial to many students there are some factors about online college that students may want to consider. With everything good come negative aspects as well. Many of the disadvantages of online colleges and universities are depleting some still remain. It is important to note however, that a lot of these factors are determined by the student.

Here are the top 5 cons of online education:

1. Diploma Mills

With the success of online colleges on the rise we have seen the uprising of diploma mills as well. A diploma mill is a place that will sell you a fake diploma. If the school offers a diploma for sale with little or no class participation required then it's a diploma mill. Make sure that the school that you choose is accredited, this type of problem can be avoided. And keep in mind that a phony diploma doesn't get you the job.

2. You are in charge of your success!

Being a student at home can be a huge benefit to someone with a busy schedule. It can also be a major distraction. Most times students who take online courses take them whenever it is convenient, at home, at work, at the middle of the night. Being a student on your own time and terms can make it hard to focus. Students that attend a traditional setting are basically forced to pay attention to the lecture when they are in the same room with their professor for an allotted amount of time. It can be hard to study when you are distracted by your kids, or your job, or whatever surrounds you. With online courses, your success depends totally on you and your ability to manage yourself and stay on task.

3. There is not much interaction with others

Some college courses require you to interact with other students on the internet, other than that the interaction that you have with other students is dramatically decreased. The whole college life experience is quite different when you are taking courses online. To some this can be detrimental. If you are looking for a whole college social experience, online courses may not be for you. While you may not have the same "experience" as someone who attends a traditional college, you will certainly gain the same education.

4. There can be technical problems

Online college courses are computer and internet based making them highly prone to technical glitches. It is important to have a computer that works well and a stable internet connection. Yet, even the most fool-proof systems can cause problems for teachers and students. These problems are on the decline but it is important to note that you may experience technical difficulties.

5. Standardization of coursework and materials has not yet been completed

Even though you may be going to an accredited school and earning a high quality education that does not mean that you are earning the same education as students in the same program at different schools. Schools use different class content and course materials. This problem is thought to soon be solved in the next few years however, because accreditation agencies are working on standardizing the coursework and materials.

What are the Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online?

What are the Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online?

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Online Education is still a pretty new concept. Many people feel like earning your degree online is less respectable and low quality compared to earning your degree traditionally. Well, I may be the first one to say it, I may not, but I'll say it anyway: Online College is AWESOME! Earning your degree online does not mean that the degree that you earn is low quality or that that degree wont get you a job. 

Degrees earned online and degrees earned in a traditional setting are the exact same thing. The only difference: you can earn your degree in your jamies with online degrees. 

If that isn't reason enough here are a few other reasons why earning your degree online is ace!

Earning your degree online

When researching your educational options it is nice to know that there are options outside of the traditional classroom. One of the most popular ways of learning is by participating in an accredited online degree program. Taking online degree courses can be beneficial to all types of learners. The information provided in this article is meant to help you weigh your options when it comes to education. If you feel like any of these benefits could improve your college experience then you should consider getting your degree online.

Convenience

The most obvious benefit of distance learning is flexibility. Accredited online degree programs make it possible for students to set their own schedule. You will be free to study on your own time! Online courses are convenient for everyone. Parents can study when their children are asleep. People with full time jobs can study when they aren't working. Military members can study anywhere they are posted. Course work and communication can be completed when, and where you want. If you have the will to get an education then why not make it a little simpler with the flexibility of the best online degrees. After all, the only difference between a traditional campus education and online education is the building.

Affordability

Unless you live in a big city or a college town, the cost of commute with fuel prices can be substantial. Not to mention the cost of tuition can be overwhelming. Luckily, most online institutions are highly affordable. There is likely some form of financial aid available to students that seek it, and if the school is accredited there will be more financial aid programs available. It can also be more cost effective to earn your degree online because there are less fees and permits that traditional schools charge. Most of the built in fees are for activities that you will never use online. If you are looking for affordable online degrees, the good news is most online degrees are more affordable.

Quality

You would be surprised to find that many celebrated colleges and universities have online degree courses available and the degree that you earn online is just as prestigious as it would be if you had earned it by sitting in the class. The accredited online degree that you earn will mean the same thing, the only difference is how you earned it. In a recent survey it was found that 4.6 million college students will take at least one course online. That means that 1 in 4 students will take an accredited online college course. With the fast growing popularity of online degrees they will not just be accepted, but expected in college education.

Why Should You Go To College?

Why Should You Go To College?

It’s time guys, summer is over. I know it is hard to come to terms with it but it’s time to go back to school. If you’re like me you’re in that back-to-school-phase where you have to really assess your priorities. Well, if you are looking for reasons why you should go to college here are 5 benefits of going to college to help you get motivated.

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1.      College Teaches You How To Be An Adult

Not only does a college education prepare you for the job market, it teaches you how to discipline yourself. We as college students must become reliable and learn to manage time wisely in order to complete a degree. It takes remarkable determination to finish a degree and stay with it. Having a degree shows employers that you have what it takes to complete large projects.

2. College Teaches You To Think Critically

In the democratic society that we live in; you cannot be ignorant and survive. That's why it is important to be able to think for yourself. Going to college teaches you that. Being educated and prepared for the job market is important of course, but learning how to solve problems and control your destiny can be more important. Earning your college degree teaches you to design, create, support, and contribute to society in a very effective way. If you have ever asked yourself "Should I go to college?" Consider the many things that you can do with a set of critical thinking skills.

3. College Teaches You How To Be A Responsible Citizen

When you have more knowledge about the world around you, you learn how to be a profitable contribution to society. In college the large span of information that you learn can help you to be a better person and ultimately make the world a better place.

4. College Opens Avenues Of Personal Discovery.

College prepares you for the things to come in life. You leave college with understanding, knowledge and critical thinking skills to meet the challenges of life. College can allow you to discover yourself and learn your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing more about yourself can better prepare you for things to come.

5. College Improves The Quality Of Your Life.

In college you learn the life skills you need that are important to having a positive lifestyle and an overall better quality of life. You learn to be conscious of the world around you and appreciative of the finer things in life, like art and music. You learn to solve problems and can contribute to society to make the world a better place.

Being educated can prepare you for and place you in a good job, which will make you more money throughout your life. It can open doors of opportunity for you throughout your life and be a major benefit to the overall quality of your life. But, perhaps more importantly when you are educated the world is opened up to you and you find that life becomes significantly more interesting. There are many benefits of going to college but making a better life for your self should be the main one.

The Ultimate Bachelor Degree Guide

 The Ultimate Bachelor Degree Guide

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What is a Bachelor's Degree?

A Bachelor's Degree is an undergraduate degree that is compiled of about 150 credit hours and usually can be completed in 4 years depending on the school and schedule. Individuals that earn bachelor degrees earn significantly more in salary than those who do not hold a degree. Having a bachelor's degree often leads to better and more stable jobs with opportunities for growth. You can earn and accredited bachelor's degree online and go at your own pace.

What types of Bachelor Degrees are there?

There are two types of bachelor degrees. First, is the bachelor's of arts or the BA. A majority of this degrees coursework is in the arts. Majors for a BA are social science, humanities, music and the fine arts. The second type of bachelor degree is the BS or bachelors of Science. This degree has an emphasis in the sciences like physical science, life science, and mathematical science. This degree is more based on numbers and reasoning then the arts sand creativity. Both types of bachelor's degrees are offered online and can be completed by taking online courses.

Why are bachelor's degrees worth it?

Over 33% of adults today have a bachelor's degree. That is a huge chunk of our population. Some employers will only hire candidates with a bachelor's degree. This means if you don't have one, you’re missing out on a lot of job opportunities out there, especially the jobs that pay the most. Employers use bachelor's degrees like a screening tool; if you don't have one then you are most often disregarded. Get the skills you need to get the good jobs by getting a bachelor's degree by taking online classes for college through an accredited online university. Don't get overlooked!

What does getting a bachelor's degree entail?

Bachelor degree requirements vary from school to school but all require you to choose one major, or specialized area of study along with a wide range of general education courses. Traditionally bachelor's degrees are meant to take 4 years, but it is possible to complete all required credits in less time and the best online universities have many online bachelors’ degree programs to choose from. Getting your degree in 4 years or less can be achieved if you take courses from an accredited online degree program, which will allow you to study at your own pace, as fast as you want. It is also possible for a bachelor's degree to take up to 6 years if you are studying on a part time basis. How fast you earn your degree can be entirely up to you.

What can a bachelor's degree do for you?

You can break into any career with a bachelor's degree and you can earn one through an online college or university. Earning a bachelor's degree online can be more convenient for students with families or full time jobs, and it can lead to better jobs. Most entry level positions require that you have one and you absolutely have to have one to move up from your entry level position. More importantly, those who have earned a bachelor's degree are known to earn more money overall. According to the U.S. Census bureau those that hold bachelor's degrees make $50,000+ a year. This is on average $20,000 more than individuals who only have a high school diploma. Individuals with bachelor's degrees earn more in salary, receive more raises and promotions, and are more likely to get jobs that have benefits. Perhaps a more important question would be "What can't a bachelor's degree do for you?"

Getting a bachelor's degree through online university courses can be the ticket to untold professional opportunities. Once you earn your bachelor's degree you may find that opportunities are endless.

Associate Degree Guide

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What is an Associate Degree? 

 An associate degree is awarded after the completion of 20 courses or the credit equivalent which is about 50 credit hours. An associate degree can be completed in about 2 years of schooling. More than half a million associate's degrees are awarded yearly in the U.S. alone and distance learning has made this possible. You can earn your associate's degree from the comfort of your own home by taking accredited online courses. Associate's degrees can be for a specific program, or applied to bachelor's degrees and graduate degrees.

What types of Associate degrees are there?

There are only two different types of associate degrees: transferrable or occupational. Occupational associate degrees prepare students to work in a particular field. The Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Applied Arts, Associate of Applied Technology, and Associate of Occupational Studies are all occupational associate's degrees. Students that complete occupational associate degrees will be prepared to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. Occupational associate degrees can also be transferred towards a bachelor degree.

Transferrable associate's degrees allow students to enter into a bachelor's program with about half the credits that have already been earned. Transferrable associate's degrees are usually made up of general education classes that are required for the degree.

Common Associate Degrees

• AA - Associate of Arts
• AE - Associate of Engineering or Associate in Electronics Engineering Technology
• AN - Associate of Nursing
• AS - Associate of Science
• AF - Associate of Forestry
• AT - Associate of Technology
• AAA - Associate of Applied Arts
• AAB - Associate of Applied Business
• AAS - Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Arts and Sciences
• AAT - Associate of Arts in Teaching
• ABA - Associate of Business Administration
• ABS - Associate of Baccalaureate Studies
• AND - Associate Degree in Nursing
• AES - Associate of Engineering Science
• AET - Associate in Engineering Technology
• AFA - Associate of Fine Arts
• AGS - Associate of General Studies
• AIT - Associate of Industrial Technology
• AOS - Associate of Occupational Studies
• APE - Associate of Pre-Engineering
• APS - Associate of Political Science or Associate of Public Service
• ASPT-APT - Associate in Physical Therapy

Associate's degrees are available in many different fields and most are offered online.

10 Tips for Getting Financial Aid

College is expensive. There is no question about it and most people can’t just cough up the dough for tuition. More and more students are relying on financial aid to pay for tuition, especially in this economy. If you are a student that needs financial aid, this article is for you. Pay attention to these ten tips to get the aid that you need.

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1. Do Your Research

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Financial aid is confusing.  There are so many types of aid out there. My first word of advice is to devote a few hours to financial aid research. Read up about the different types of aid available and search for some scholarships that you may be applicable for. Familiarize yourself with the financial aid world so that you'll better understand how to get that aid. I once read that you can make a full time job out of searching and applying for scholarships because of all the information that is out there. All I’m asking is a few hours just to get educated about the types of aid that are out there.

2. EFC. What is it and what does it do for you?

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EFC stands for Expected Family Contribution. Your EFC score determines your level of need. You will be awarded need based aid such as grants, subsidized student loans, and work study if your EFC is lower than the estimated cost of attendance. If you fill out a free financial aid application at the FAFSA website, they will tell you whether or not you are eligible for need based aid. Knowing your EFC will help you determine what aid you can expect and apply for.

3. How do I find my EFC?

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There are many EFC calculators out there online just do a search. Finding your EFC is very important and will help you in determining what aid you are eligible for.

4. You can't win them all

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Money is awarded on a need basis. You should have a plan B in place in case you aren't awarded any aid. Don't let this discourage you however; money is out there for undergraduate students. Just don't expect full financial aid, keep your options open. Most of the time students will receive aid for most of the price of tuition not all. So you may want to have several methods of aid in place or some money saved. Bottom line: Do not expect to get your tuition paid in full, and keep your options open.

 5. Make friends with your college financial aid advisor

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While your EFC is a good way to judge what type of aid you will get it is not necessarily set in stone. Your financial aid advisor can change your EFC to your favor based on your needs. It is in your best interest to sit down with your advisor and have a meeting. Your advisor can give you tips to getting more aid and help you along the way. They can explain the best way to apply for aid and scholarships while helping you with aid that the school has available as well.

6. Try! Try! And Then Try Again!

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Don't count yourself out. It is a common misconception that there is an income cutoff for financial aid. Sometimes people think they will not qualify for aid because they make too much or their parents make too much but this is not the case. Your EFC is determined by several different factors. The best thing to do is try to apply for aid and see if you qualify, don't just assume that you won't qualify.

7. Just expect it to be complicated

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There's just no getting around it you will have to fill out at least one complicated financial aid application. The FAFSA application takes a while and can be a little complicated but it's worth it. FAFSA will provide you with useful information to help you along your financial aid path. They will also show you what aid you qualify for and how much. It's worth it!

8. Don't get paranoid

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People get nervous about sending important information over the internet for their aid application. The aid sites are absolutely safe and secure and your information will be safe. Don't let this fear keep you from getting the aid that you deserve. Send your application in!

9. If you do get aid, don't expect to get all that you need

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If you do receive aid from your college most financial of it comes in packages of grants and unsubsidized loans. Very rarely does the amount of aid you receive meet your EFC. Often times the aid you receive will cover most of the expenses but some of it you will have to come up with yourself. Be prepared to have to pay for some of your tuition even if you get aid.

10. Follow the deadlines!

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When it comes to aid colleges operate on a type of first come first serve basis. Aid is only awarded to those who need it yes, but money can run out colleges only have so much in their budget for aid. Make sure you turn your application in on time or early if possible to get the best chance of getting aid. Even if you are eligible for aid, but you turn in your application late when the money is gone you won't get any help.

Grants and Scholarships

 

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Do you have 60K for school? Me either. (and that's a pretty low estimate) So how do you plan on paying for school? You can always get the change from in between the couch cushions, or you could wait tables. You can sell your Ipod or your vintage records. Actually, don't sell your vintage records, you'll regret it, I know I do. Unfortunately, most students can't come up with tuition all by themselves every semester, even if they are working nights at Blockbuster. Here's where Grants and Scholarships come in. Grants and scholarships help students pay for their education. I can help you get the information that you need to finance your education with Grants and Scholarships.

 Grants

Grants are a form of government funding that you're not required to pay back. How great is that? Grants are need based; meaning those who demonstrate a certain level of financial need will qualify. Don't let this discourage you though; grants are the very best form of financial aid out there because it's basically free money. It is in your very best interest to check and see if you qualify for grants you may be surprised with the result and the money will go a long way! To see if you qualify for any grants fill out a free application for federal student aid or a FAFSA Even if you don't qualify for a grant, this web site may provide information about loans and scholarships that are available through the school of your choice. Filling out a FAFSA is the absolute best way to go about seeking aid and should be your first priority. It is also important to be aware of the deadlines that are placed on students by FAFSA. Familiarize yourself with their website and complete your application according to their time-table.

Types of Grants

Pell Grants

• Undergraduate students only.
• Need based.
• Award amount is based on the individuals cost of attendance, family contribution, and funds available to the school you choose.

Academic Competiveness Grant

• Undergraduate students only, specifically freshman and sophomore students.
• Must be eligible for a Pell grant first to qualify for this grant.
• Requires completion of certain high school programs ("rigorous").
• Second year students must maintain a 3.0 GPA at least. 

 SMART Grant (National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant) 

• Undergraduate students only, specifically juniors and seniors.
• Must be eligible for a Pell grant first to qualify for this grant.
• Major must be in one of the following fields: physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering, and foreign language determined critical to national security.
• Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 at least.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• Undergraduate students that qualify for exceptional need.
• Priority to those with lowest expected family contribution.

Institutional Aid

• Some schools provide scholarships and grants through the school itself.
• May require enrollment in an athletic or academic program depending on the school.

Scholarships

Scholarships are also beneficial to students because repayment is not required either. You can also find scholarships through the FAFSA website. After you have filled out your FAFSA application search for scholarships that you are eligible for and apply, apply, apply. Scholarships can totally fund your education but it will take effort on your part. Pairing scholarships and grants can also be a way to get you through school. Scholarships.com is a database of scholarships and a very good place to start searching for scholarships. Studentaid.ed.gov is the government's financial aid information site that may be useful in your research as well.

The most important thing to remember when researching grants and scholarships is that you must follow through. Do your research, do the work,  and you may find that you have tuition paid for! There are many options out there for those who need help funding their education, take advantage of what's out there!