Benefits for Other Groups/Populations
There are several financial assistance programs benefiting special groups:Veterans and Their Dependents
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - The GI Bill (the generic term comprising various education assistance programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs) provides benefits to veterans, servicemembers, and some dependents of disabled or deceased veterans wishing to pursue an education. In Fiscal Year 2007 over 500,000 personnel utilized their GI Bill benefits.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill - The Post- 9/11 GI Bill is a new education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.
The Montgomery GI Bill - Provides educational benefits for individuals entering military service or the reserves after June 30, 1985. Reservists who have enlisted for six or more years after July 1, 1985 may be eligible for the Selected Reserve Education Benefit.
The Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) - For those who entered the service after January 1, 1977 thru June 30, 1985 and have elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Contributions are matched by the government on a 2-to-1 basis.
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program Services (VRE) - The mission of VRE is to help veterans with service connected disabilities to prepare for, find and keep suitable jobs. This can include education benefits.
For more information, contact your college's Office of Veterans Affairs. Here is a listing of all VA Benefits (2008 Edition) in English and in Spanish.
Disabled students who meet the academic qualifications for a college should apply for admission and, if needed, financial aid. By law, a qualified student cannot be excluded from college solely because of a disability.
All public schools and colleges and many independent schools provide disabled student services. Benefits may include counseling, tutoring, readers, interpreters, note takers, special parking zones, and loan of special equipment. You may also request that a class be relocated to a more accessible place on campus.
Your student budget, as calculated by the college, should include all educational expenses necessary to accommodate your disability. Be sure to work with your financial aid office if you apply, so they understand your particular circumstances.
More information can my link to the Online Resource for Americans with Disabilities.
Athletes
Athletes considering a National Collegiate Athletic Association college should contact the NCAA for information on college recruiting rules and grade point average and testing requirements. You may visit their website here.
Non-Residents of Utah
The Western Commission of Higher Education (WICHE) - WICHE was created to facilitate resource sharing among the higher education systems of the west. Utah is one of 15 western states collaborating and promoting resource sharing through WICHE. Students who are residents of WICHE states may enroll at participating two and four year college programs outside of their home state at a reduced tuition rate.
Get Creative with Your Options
Here are some options to consider in helping finance your education:
The Military
Educational benefits and scholarships are available to those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. In some programs, enlistees receive an education first, and serve an equivalent amount of military time after graduation. Other programs allow you to accumulate money for an education while completing an initial enlistment period. Some scholarships pay full tuition and all instructional fees, and may include a living allowance. Loan repayment is also available to Army service personnel. For more information, contact your local Armed Forces recruiting office, or go online to www.military.com.
Working Your Way Through College
It may not be possible to earn all your own college costs, but a part-time or summer job can help reduce the amount you'll need to borrow. School employment offices can help you find a job on or off campus. Many campuses provide work-study or student assistant programs which help students find career-related jobs.
Finishing College Sooner - AP Exams
High school students can take the College Board's Advanced Placement examinations and receive college credit for honors courses or independent study in foreign languages, English, history, science, mathematics, music, and art. Advanced college placement avoids repeating work and could save the cost of up to one year of study. See your high school counselor for details.
