Government Grants for Student Loan Repayment – Getting a college degree requires a lot of commitment, including financial commitment. Some are lucky enough to be able to get full scholarships and grants that allow them to get their degree for a much affordable cost, but most of the students in United States have to take student loan in order to be able to cover the college expenses.
Now after you’ve gone out of college and gain that well-deserved degree, you may start to wonder how you will be able to repay all those debts. Searching for government assistance on student loan repayment may be your first step, but is it really available?
Alternatives to Government Grants for Student Loan Repayment
The harsh truth is that most of government grants are provided to cover education for people from low-income families. We have yet to know about any other government grant that is awarded for a single individual for loan repayment, including student loan.
But that doesn’t mean that there is no other way to repay the debt. All you need is a little extra effort to find creative ways to reduce the debt amount and the will to do it. Below are some of the ideas you can try:
Volunteer
Joining as a volunteer in various community volunteer program is a great start. However, please do remember that you have to find the programs that can help you get your student loan repayment. There are several national programs that offer such benefit, but you need to prepare for long-term commitment. In our opinion, becoming a volunteer in such program is a good idea if you are currently jobless (for example, you’re a fresh graduate or has just been laid off from work) and have to find a way to pay for the student loan repayment.
Pursue a career in education
Students who have passion in teaching and are currently pursue a career in education field as a teacher might as well claim the benefit from teaching grants and loan-forgiveness programs. There are various programs available that can help teachers to cover for their student loan repayment. That said, you need to have a full commitment in teaching because some of these programs require long-term commitment up to four years.
If you fail to do so, the money will be added to your debt. Of course not all programs have such restraining requirements. Therefore, it is extremely important to learn all about the program before you agree to be in part of it.
First-Generation College Students Scholarship
- Amount: $500
- Application Deadline: July 15, 2024
- Winners Announced: August 15, 2024
- Education Level: High School, Undergraduate
- Background: Must be a first-generation college student
Attaining a college degree marks a significant achievement, particularly for those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. First-generation college students often possess exceptional academic readiness and talent, serving as inspirations for their family members while carrying the hopes and aspirations of previous generations.
The First-Generation College Students Scholarship aims to support and motivate these trailblazing individuals as they navigate this pivotal educational journey. This $500 scholarship award is designed to assist high school seniors or current undergraduate students who are the first in their families to attend college or university in covering tuition expenses or student loans.
Get new job
Getting a correct career plan can also determine your ability to pay for the student loan. There are several jobs that are available for the loan forgiveness program, including nonprofit workers, public universities worker, law enforcement officers, social workers, teachers, government workers, etc. The loan forgiveness program means that the government will erase the student loan after 10 years of full time service.
Charles Cheesman Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements:
- Education Level: Must be an undergraduate or graduate student, or a college graduate.
- Race/Ethnicity: Must be African American or Hispanic/Latino.
- Debt Status: Must have student loan debt.
- Background: Must be a first generation student.
Student debt can severely hinder aspirations such as saving, investing, homeownership, entrepreneurship, and other life endeavors. The average college debt for student loan borrowers in the United States is $39,351, with many owing even more.
In recognition of this, the Charles Cheesman Student Debt Reduction Scholarship aims to alleviate student loan burdens for African American or Hispanic/Latino first-generation students currently in college or graduates with outstanding student loans. Additionally, individuals who are no longer students but are still working to repay student loans are eligible.
To apply, applicants are required to articulate their educational pursuits, life objectives, community service involvement, accomplishments, and more. They should also detail how they intend to utilize the funds saved through this scholarship. The scholarship offers a total of $13,650, with awards distributed as follows:
- 1st winner: $5,000
- 2nd winner: $4,000
- 3rd winner: $3,000
- 4th winner: $1,650
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) stands as a government initiative offering relief from student debt burdens specifically tailored for individuals engaged in public service roles. This program proves particularly advantageous for those grappling with substantial student loan obligations. Established in 2007, PSLF serves as a federal initiative aimed at incentivizing graduates to pursue careers in public service.
Under the PSLF program, borrowers with federal loans who work for qualifying employers and fulfill a decade of consistent student loan payments become eligible for loan forgiveness. Notably, the forgiveness of the remaining loan balance is exempt from taxation. To qualify, individuals must make 120 full payments while enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan. This requirement ensures that the loan balance would typically be cleared by the time applicants become eligible for forgiveness under the standard 10-year repayment plan.
Join armed forces
Last but not least, if you find yourself in a tough financial condition you may want to join the armed forces of United States. There are numerous programs that offer benefits for the military, including loan repayment or loan forgiveness programs.
I think that is all for now. We hope now you know that there are other options available other than the government grants for student loan repayment, so don’t give up!
References:
- Kiss Those Student Loans Goodbye – http://www.bloomberg.com/bschools/content/sep2009/bs20090910_636521.htm
- Image: goodcall.com
