Now is the time for single mothers to return to school, escape that dead end job, and gain a career. It is time for your children to have the life you’ve always wanted to give them, and for you to become the role model you always knew you could be. Even in this horrible economy in which we now live, there are ways of bettering ourselves.

Among the many grants President Obama is awarding to the people of this recession economy, is a $10,000 sum to single mothers who want to go back to school from private companies. All single mothers over the age of eighteen are eligible and should apply. This money never has to be given back, and if school is out of the question, it can be spent on any number of other things. Anything you want, really.

There are also companies out there who will hire you on the spot upon graduating from college, and for those who have little time for classes, there is a lot of information on the web regarding immense variety of scholarships and grants. Any single mother who is going to school should look into this.

This are many grants being given to mothers out there, along with business grants, home maintenance grants, and a whole lot more. A more complete list of all of the grants is available at the click of a button on the internet. There isn’t any reason not to look this up, and apply for as many grants as you are eligible for. There are so many, and you can apply for as many as you qualify for. So, there are about a billion reasons to look this up right now.

For those who have too busy a schedule to attend classes, internet or distance learning programs are plentiful these days, and the grant will cover them. In fact, this grant will cover any particular expense a single mother might have, because this grant doesn’t even have to be used on school.

There are a lot of banks to choose from when you are looking for student loans. Key Bank is an option that I have used myself, and I was pleased with the private student loan I received from Key Bank Student Loans. Key Bank a lot of options that will meet a variety of needs. Federal and private loan options are available to students. If you need help with paying for school, take a look at Key Bank’s options.

Key Bank is a trusted name and they have been offering student loans for many years. Key Bank offers Federal Stafford Loans and these can be subsidized or unsubsidized depending upon your needs and goals. It is even common to take out a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans to meet your educational needs. Key Bank also offers student loans that can be taken out by parents who want to help their child attend college.

Federal loans have unique advantages and should be used before private loans. Everyone qualifies for federal student loans and these loans have reduced rates and loan forgiveness programs.

With the cost of college skyrocketing, many students find that federal loans do not cover all of their expenses. Private loans are often an option for paying the additional expenses that are left after federal loans have been applied.

The Key Alternative loan is a private loan option for students who still have expenses after using federal loans. These loans allow you to borrow anywhere from five hundred dollars to one hundred and twenty-five dollars. A student must be enrolled in college at least half-time to qualify. These funds will be sent right to the school so they can be applies directly to your student expenses. These loans are unlike federal loans because they rely on a strong credit history to qualify.

The Achiever Loan is a private loan that is offered by Key Bank Student Loans for parents or other sponsors of a student’s education. Parents are able to apply for this loan option to help their children pay remaining expenses. This easy and quick loan application can be completed online. Talk to your parents about this option before enrollment begins. It is important to have an idea of how you will pay for school ahead of time.

The Career Loan is a private loan option for undergraduate or graduate students. This loan is geared toward students who go part-time or take night classes. This non-traditional student loan is perfect for a lot of students with unique circumstances.

Just do a little research on these loan options that are offered by Key Bank and you will find the combination of loans that are right for you. Your campus financial aid office will be able to give you more information on Key Bank Student Loans or you can look up Key Bank on the Internet. Many loan option are available to meet many needs. Every student has different needs and for that reason each student may need a different combination of loans to meet their educational goals. Check into different loan programs to be sure that you are getting the best possible loan for your situation. There are loans out there for everyone today. Higher education is more possible than ever before because of the unique loan programs that are available today.

For more information about Key Bank student loans and others please visit Student Loan Info

At least 20% of college students need some type of loan to help pay for their college education. Such a statistic can lead to students graduating with an unmanageable debt load. An alternative is for parents to help out by taking out loans themselves. But which is the better option – student loans or parent loans? Each has distinct advantages and uses.

Federal student loans

Federal student loans have the lowest interest rates and best repayment options. If you need to take out loans and you qualify for federal loans, this is your best choice. Just be sure to accept only the funds you need, even if you are offered much more. Parents can always help their children pay off these loans once repayment begins after graduation.

Federal parent loans

PLUS Loans (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) are another loan option that comes with low interest rates. If you are a parent with dependent students attending college at least part-time and you have a good credit history, you are eligible to receive a PLUS Loan. These loans are not needs-based. You can borrow up to the total cost of undergraduate education expenses, minus other financial aid already received. Unlike federal student loans, payment is not deferred until after graduation; instead, your first loan payment will be due about 60 days after the loan is disbursed. Also unlike federal student loans, PLUS Loans require an application fee.

Private loans

Both students and parents can take out private loans to cover funding gaps. Terms are basically the same for these loans, although students may be able to have their repayment deferred until after graduation. Another consideration is that students may wish to take out small loans to begin to establish a credit history. You may need to cosign for private student loans.

Other options

Parents do have some additional options for college funding, such as home equity loans. These often have rates as good as private loans.

So which type of loan should I get?

This really comes down to a personal decision. Ask yourself these questions as you are trying to decide:

- What level of debt do you feel is manageable for your child to graduate with?

- How important is it to you that your child takes responsibility for paying student loans?

- Will you and your child work out a repayment plan to repay PLUS Loans and other parent loans?

Lenders may offer deferments for up to three years for federal loans and one

Having a dilemma on how to pay for your college tuition? If your answer is yes, then you’re not alone and just one among the many countless students who are in dire need of financial aid to achieve their dreams of getting and finishing a good college education. If you’ve already ruled out the possibility of getting any form of scholarship or grant, then you might want to explore a federal student loan, which comes in two types: private and federal.

Of the two, federal student loans should be the first option a student should look into as these have the governments backing, which can be readily availed through any educational institution, banks, and lenders through the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Compared to private lending companies, it has lower interest rates, extended repayment periods, many repayment scheme options, and lower credit requirements. To get a hold of a federal student loan, some requirements should be fulfilled prior to submission, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that is just within reach through its website.

The most common federal student loan is the Stafford Loan that offers the lowest-cost to pay for a college education. It has no strict requirement for a loaner to show the financial need, so is open for either graduate and undergraduate students who are enrolled or planning to enroll at least half-time. The loan package has a fixed monthly interest rate that can be divided into two categories: subsidized and unsubsidized. With the first, the government takes care of the interest payments during the period the student is in school; while with the second, the student personally pays for the accrued interest but can defer doing so until graduation.

The Federal Perkins Loan, on the other hand, offers a very low, fixed interest rate at 5% for all those who show “exceptional” financial need for it, for both undergraduate and graduate students. The student should be enrolled in an eligible school and at least half-time in a degree program. They should also show satisfactory academic progress, with no pending defaults on Title IV related loans or grants, and fulfills all Selective Service requirements. The student receives payment, usually by check directly from the school, or is debited directly to the school charges, and of which is given in two payments for the whole academic year. Again, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be submitted accordingly.

It is important to do some little research to get a good idea on what type of federal student loan fits your specific needs. With a federal student loan, any prospective student can enroll in the course of their choice and fulfill all financial requirements up to the day of graduation without being burdened unnecessarily.

Joseph Watson, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, UCSD

This video was created by the University of California, San Diego, for the purpose of providing information to prospective college students on preparing for college.   Joseph Watson, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, hosts the exchange.

Preparing for College Admissions

Bruce Keitel, the Academic Services Coordinator at San Diego State University, gives an overview of what colleges look at in college applications and how students can increase their chances of of acceptance.

Colleges look at a combination of test scores and high school GPA.  At San Diego State University, the minimum requirements are a B average with 1000 test score.  More competitive schools will have more stringent minimum standards and usually also look for students with distinguishing characteristics or a special accomplishment or skill.

Bruce Keitel, Academic Services Coordinator, SDSU

College Prep Program

In order to prepare students  for college courses, Mr. Keitel recommends following an A-G program of study in high school to ensure minimum standards are met.  This will include:

• 4 years of English
• A minimum of 3 years of math (preferably four years)
• A reasonable distribution of history, social studies, economics, and sciences.
• Visual and performing arts

Eligibility Index

The eligibility index is determined by multiplying SAT scores by GPA.  While GPA is the best predictor of how well students will perform in college, the SAT is looked at to certify that a student has a basic competency in literacy and math.

Tips to College Test Success

Prepare early.  Train for the SAT and ACT’S with regular practice.  Review basic math skills such as algebra and geometry.  Keep reading to prepare for the verbal section of the test.

Applying to College

When asked if it was important to declare a major in the college application, Mr. Keitel replied that most students will change their major three times before deciding on the area they will finally get a degree in and it is not usually a determinant for acceptance.  However, if a student is applying to a college for a competitive entry major, it is a good idea to declare your major at the outset to get priority placement in classes for that major.

How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?

As college application fees can add up, Mr. Keitel recommends determining at the outset what the family budget allows for applications.  He also recommends applying to a minimum of four colleges in the following categories:

• One “dream” college.
• Two colleges that you would be happy to go to and would be an appropriate institutional fit.
• One “safe” college that you know you can get into that will also meet your educational needs.

Placement Tests

Beyond the SAT and ACT’s, many colleges also require incoming freshman to take placement tests to determine their proficiency in math and literature.  Those tests will determine the course plan for the first year.

Senioritis

Many times after working diligently all through high school, high school seniors will slack off their senior year with the assumption that teachers and college admission staff will cut them a break.  As college admission becomes more competitive, it is increasingly more common for college admissions to be rescinded if a student’s GPA is not maintained throughout their senior year.

Rudy Castruita, Superintendent of Schools, San Diego County

Volunteering and  College

Americorps

Another way prospective students can raise money for college is through volunteerism.  Rudy Castruita, Superintendent of Schools for San Diego County, explains the benefits of Americorps.

Americorps is a federal program started by Bill Clinton in 1993.  Individuals volunteer for 10 months working on community projects throughout the U.S.  In return, they receive a modest living allowance and, after completing 1,700 hours of service, a $4,725 grant to apply to education expenses or to pay back student loans.

Internships

Ann Thompson, a counselor with the San Dieguito High School, recommends internships as an excellent way for high school students to prepare for college.  Internships give students the opportunity to interact with community members, learn valuable job skills, and as a volunteer activity, it also is a plus on college applications.

Judith Lewis Logue, Director of Financial Aid Services, USD

College Financial Aid

Judith Lewis Logue, Director of Financial Aid Services at the University of San Diego, explains the ins and outs of college financial aid.  There are four types of financial aid:

1. Scholarships
2. Grants
3. Student employment
4. Loans

Scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.  College loans are available for both students and parents.  Student loans are low interest and long term.  Students have a 6 month grace period after they leave college to begin repaying the loan.  Ms. Logue stressed the importance of only borrowing what you need to fill the gap of financing your college education.

Where Do the Funds for College Financial Aid Come From?

Funding for college financial aid comes from a dizzying array of sources include: colleges and universities, states, the federal government (Pell grants, FSEOG program, Perkins loans, work-study program, and Stafford loans), businesses, and outside scholarships from a variety of organizations.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

The first step to getting financial aid for college is to apply using the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.  The form becomes available in the December prior to the school year you are applying for.  Students indicate on the application the colleges they are interested in, and the information on the form is sent to those colleges to determine the student’s eligibility.

The financial aid offices that receive the FAFSA forms use the Federal Methodology of Need Analysis to create a financial aid package for each student.  Students are notified by the respective colleges of the financial aid offered.  Each offer of financial aid is made based on the tuition and expenses at that particular college, so it is important for students and parents to carefully compare financial aid plans.

Tips to Paying for Your College Education

1. Start Saving Now:  While it may be difficult for many families to pay for college in its entirety, having at least a portion of college expenses saved is vital.
2. Apply for private outside scholarships
   
3. Accumulate good work skills while in high school.  As most students work while going to college, the better your job skills, the better paying job you will be able to find.