Other Sources of Student
Aid - Check out these other great resources for federal or
non-federal student aid:
Talk to the aid administrator (or his or her staff) at each school
you're interested in to find out about the school's aid programs and
total cost of attendance.
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This agency in your home state can give you information about state
aid—including aid from the Leveraging Educational Assistance
Partnership (LEAP) Program, funded jointly by states and by us.
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These are excellent sources of information on state and private forms
of aid. When using either source, search using keywords like "financial
aid," "student aid," "scholarships," etc.
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This program provide provides full-time educational awards in return
for work in community service. You can work before, during, or after
your postsecondary education, and you can use the funds either to pay
current educational expenses or to repay federal student loans. For
more information, call 1-800-942-2677. The TTY number is
1-800-833-3722. Information is also available at www.americorps.org.
To receive aid, you must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement
and show promise of continued academic excellence. For more
information, call the toll-free number: 1-800-4-FED-AID
(1-800-433-3243) or visit www.ed.gov/programs/iduesbyrd.
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Check with your parents' places of work. They might have programs to
help pay the cost of postsecondary education for employees and their
children.
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Foundations, religious organizations, fraternities or sororities, and
town or city clubs often offer financial assistance. Include in your
search community organizations and civic groups such as the American
Legion, YMCA, 4-H Club, Elks, Kiwanis, Jaycees, and the Girl or Boy
Scouts. Organizations connected with your field of interest can be
helpful—for example, the American Medical Association and the American
Bar Association are good sources for students seeking specialization in
those fields.
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The Armed Forces also offer financial aid opportunities. For more
information on recruitment incentives, visit the U.S. Department of
Defense web site at www.todaysmilitary.com. Click on "What You Get" at
the top of the site. Then go to "College Help." You can also contact
your local recruiter.
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If you (or your spouse) are a veteran or you're the dependent of a
veteran, veterans' educational benefits may be available. Information
is also available through the Internet at www.gibill.va.gov
or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
The IRS offers two federal income tax credits (dollar-for-dollar
reductions in tax liability) for higher education expenses.
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The Hope tax credit, worth up to
$1,500 per student, is available for first- and second-year students
enrolled at least half time.
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The Lifetime Learning tax credit is a
tax benefit equal to 20 percent of a family's tuition expenses, up to
$10,000. The credit can be used for virtually any postsecondary
education and training, including graduate and professional schools,
and even for less-than-half-time study
For more information on the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits, and
other tax benefits for postsecondary students, go to www.irs.gov. IRS
Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education, which
explains these credits and other tax benefits, is available online. Or,
call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. TTY callers can call 1-800-829-4059.
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