Grant and Scholarship Aid to Help the Non-Traditional Minnesota Student Further Their Education

Over 130 state colleges and universities here in Minnesota have a number of grants and scholarship aid available for the non-traditional student who decides to return to school and complete their education. In this day and age there are a number of reasons why students may have chosen to go to enter college past their teen years. Whatever the reason may be, if the non-traditional student in Minnesota decides to further their education, they may want to check out these grants and scholarships that can help them complete their dream of obtaining a college degree.

1. Alliss Grant: This grant is available for the student who has not been enrolled in a college program for at least 7 years, and does not have a college degree. I used this grant about 10 years ago myself, when I decided to go to college to obtain my CNA (certified nursing assistant) certificate. It covered all books, supplies and tuition fees associated with that program. From my own personal experience, I highly recommend checking into this grant.

2. Pell Grant: This grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelors or professional degree. It is determined by ones financial assistance needs and is available through the federal government. The Pell Grant can be up to $4000, and students obtaining this grant may also be eligible for a supplemental FSEOG grant.

3. Minnesota State Grant: Students who do not have a baccalaureate degree may be eligible for this grant if they can prove the financial need requirements for it. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and be registered for at least 15 credits, if they are full-time students, and a minimum of 3 credits for part-time students. The maximum amount of this grant for a 2 year college is approx. $6000, and $9000 for a 4 year college. After completing the required FAFAS application, the college student may apply for this grant.

4.Talbot's Women's Scholarship Fund: This scholarship fund was specifically created for the woman who is ready to start a new chapter in her life and pursue a college degree later in life. Several successful women have used this scholarship and their stories are available on :www.talbot's.com, where you can also get all the information on applying for this scholarship.

5. Minnesota GI Bill: This financial assistance is for Minnesota Veterans who served in the military on or after Sept.11,2001. Full-time undergraduate students may receive up to $1000 per semester and part-time students up to $500. A spouse or child of a person who has served in the military on or after Sept.11,2011 and died or was permanently disabled as a result of that service is also eligible for this assistance.

6. Dislocated Workers Grant Program: This grant program is designed to sustain the non-traditional adult learner who is forced to learn or be trained in a new technical or professional capacity. Qualifying for this grant may allow one to obtain free training and job placement. For specifics on this program check with the Minnesota Workforce Center in your area.

When applying for any of these scholarships or grants, it is best to do it as early as possible once you've decided to go back to school, but a minimum of 30 days before registering for classes is usually required.

Sources:www.educationminnesota.org

www.getreadyforcollege.org

personal experience