Is There Financial Aid Available for Trade School?

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Just like institutions that offer four-year traditional degrees, accredited trade schools offer financial aid to students who qualify. Among your options are Pell Grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, work-study programs, grants or scholarships specifically for vocational training, institutional scholarships, and veteran benefits. Private industry organizations, community foundations, and area businesses may also offer scholarships. Exploring all your options can make your trade school education more affordable. But you need to do your research and apply.

Federal Financial Aid for Trade School

At the federal level, options you can explore include:

  • Grants—You may qualify for Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) depending on your family size, the amount of money you earn, and the amount of financial aid funding your school has available.
  • Federal Work Study—This program provides part-time work opportunities that can help you pay for your education and associated costs of pursuing your certificate or degree.
  • Student Loans—If you are enrolled in school at least half time, you could apply for direct subsidized or unsubsidized federal student loans. On subsidized loans, the government will pay for any interest that accrues on the loan while you are in school. Unsubsidized loans allow the interest to accrue.

Qualifying for Trade School Financial Aid

To qualify for financial aid, you need to enroll in an accredited trade school program. You also need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you submit, you will receive an aid offer, which you can review and confirm before classes begin. You need to fill out the FAFSA no later than June 30 of the year you wish to enroll in school.

State Financial Aid for Trade School

The FAFSA can also help you receive financial aid from your state. For example, in California a number of financial aid awards are offered, including the Cal Grant C Award, which is given to those who are interested in attending trade school.

Scholarships for Trade School

You may also be able to find scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition. If you’re still in high school, check with your guidance counselor to find out what scholarships your school district or local organizations might offer. If you are already employed, ask your supervisor if your organization offers any assistance for employees who wish to return to school. You can also search the web for scholarships that specifically apply to trade school. Fastweb and The College Board are good places to start.

Military and Veteran Benefits for Trade School

If you are a service member or a veteran of the military, you may use your benefits to cover the cost of tuition. Eligibility may depend on your military standing, your high school GPA, and the length of time you have served. Your benefits may even extend to the cost of licenses or industry certifications that might be necessary to start your career. You can check your benefits online.

Are you ready to begin the next chapter of your career? Contact Charter College today. We offer financial aid assistance to those who qualify, as well as application assistance. You can stop by our financial aid office and one of our advisors can help you fill out the FAFSA form and any other necessary paperwork. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.