Many people have come to rely heavily on the Pell Grants and federally funded loans that are available through the U.S. Department of Education. However, these are not the only sources of money for college.

You need to begin by looking at your state’s education website. Many states have their own sources of funds and particular funding policies.

For example, in Minnesota, for the fiscal year end 2007, over 80,000 students received Minnesota State Grants. It awarded $156 million dollars in state grants during that year. If you are an unmarried independent student and you have children who are dependent on you, you may be eligible for other grant monies. In addition to these and other grants, Minnesota operates a Student Education Loan Fund for those students who do not qualify for need based aid and for those who have already exhausted their portion of the need based aid. In 2007, Minnesota students borrowed $135 million in state funded loans. This state also has an education fund set up for children of deceased safety officers who were killed in the line of duty.

Florida offers many types of student grants and loans, as well. Currently, they are in need of teachers for their schools so they have student loan forgiveness programs to help teachers and they have a teacher shortage tuition reimbursement program. Florida also offers aid to dependents of deceased or disabled veterans of other service members.

In Oregon, new legislation declares that students in Oregon will be eligible for increased financial aid and the Oregon State Assistance Commission will be taking care of actually disbursing the aid to the students. Right now 25,000 Oregon students are eligible for financial aid but with the passage of this legislation in their state, now 32,000 students will be eligible for state money next year.

Only three states out of 50 have been highlighted but each state has its own educational assistance programs. These may begin with grants and scholarships and then move into student loans that are available to its residents. When looking for money with which to attend school, don’t negate the money you may find right in your own backyard. While you’re in college, you’ll be doing lots of research for various classes and projects. Get a head start on learning to do great research by searching for the state funded loans to which you may be entitled.

You must be logged in to post a comment.