Financial Aid and Scholarships: How to Fund Your Education Without a FAFSA at Ascension Online College
- Dr. Tonya Cannon, PhD. SHRM-CP CHEP SOLC
- May 5
- 4 min read
Paying for college is one of the biggest concerns for many students, but at Ascension Online College, we believe that financial barriers shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your educational goals. While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most common route to funding your education, it’s not the only option. Whether you’re not eligible for FAFSA, prefer not to use it, or simply want to explore other funding opportunities, there are plenty of ways to finance your education without federal aid.
In this blog, we’ll explore some alternative financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and payment plans, that can help make your education more affordable and accessible.
1. Grants: Financial Aid That Doesn’t Need to Be Repaid
Grants are another form of “free money” that you don’t have to pay back. While most federal grants require FAFSA, there are several other grants available that do not require federal aid forms. These grants can be offered by states, private organizations, and educational institutions.
Here are a few types of grants you may be eligible for:
State Grants: Many states offer financial assistance to residents who are attending college in-state. These grants often have specific eligibility requirements based on financial need, academic achievement, or enrollment status.
Institutional Grants: Some colleges, including Ascension Online College, offer institutional grants to students in need of financial assistance. These grants are typically awarded based on your financial need or other criteria determined by the college.
Private Grants: Various private foundations and non-profit organizations offer grants to students pursuing higher education. These grants may focus on specific fields of study, underrepresented groups, or community involvement.
2. Employer Tuition Assistance
Did you know that many employers offer tuition assistance programs to help employees fund their education? If you’re currently employed, it’s worth checking with your human resources department to see if your employer provides any educational benefits, such as:
Tuition Reimbursement: Some companies will reimburse you for tuition costs after successfully completing a course or program.
Tuition Assistance: Employers may offer direct tuition assistance, either in the form of a set stipend or through direct payment to the school.
At Ascension Online College, we’re proud to partner with employers who support their employees’ educational advancement. If your employer offers tuition assistance, we can work with you to coordinate your funding and ensure you receive the maximum benefit from this program.
3. Payment Plans: Spread Out Your Tuition Costs
For some students, paying for tuition all at once can be overwhelming. At Ascension Online College, we offer flexible payment plans to help make your education more affordable. These plans allow you to divide your tuition payments into smaller, more manageable installments over the course of the semester or academic year.
Here’s how payment plans work:
Monthly Payments: You can choose to pay your tuition in monthly installments, making it easier to budget and manage your finances.
Interest-Free: Many payment plans are interest-free, meaning you can spread out the cost of your education without paying extra in interest.
Flexible Terms: We offer various payment options depending on your financial needs and enrollment schedule.
Payment plans are a great option if you don’t qualify for federal financial aid or prefer not to use a loan. Our financial aid team will help you find the payment plan that best fits your budget.
4. Crowdfunding: Raise Money for Your Education
Crowdfunding is a modern approach to financing education, and it can be an effective way to gather funds from family, friends, and even strangers who believe in your educational goals. Websites like GoFundMe, Scholarships.com, and Indiegogo allow you to set up a campaign and share your story with others who may be willing to contribute to your tuition costs.
Here are some tips for a successful crowdfunding campaign:
Tell Your Story: Share why you want to pursue your degree and how it will help you achieve your long-term goals.
Set a Realistic Goal: Determine how much you need to cover your tuition and related expenses, and set a clear, realistic funding goal.
Promote Your Campaign: Use social media and word of mouth to spread the word about your crowdfunding campaign and encourage donations.
While crowdfunding may not fully fund your education, it can provide a helpful supplement to your other financial aid options.
5. Military and Veteran Benefits
If you’re a current or former member of the military, you may be eligible for financial assistance through various military and veteran education benefits. These programs can help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and even living expenses while you pursue your degree.
Some benefits include:
The GI Bill: A federal benefit that offers financial assistance to military veterans for tuition and other educational expenses.
The Yellow Ribbon Program: This program helps cover the cost of tuition for veterans attending private institutions or out-of-state public schools.
Military Tuition Assistance: Many branches of the military offer tuition assistance to active-duty service members.
At Ascension Online College, we are proud to support military students and veterans. Our admissions and financial aid teams can help you navigate the benefits available to you and assist you with your application.
Conclusion: Funding Your Education Without a FAFSA at Ascension Online College
While FAFSA is often the go-to source for financial aid, it’s not the only option available to help fund your education. Whether you’re looking for scholarships, grants, payment plans, or employer assistance, there are plenty of ways to make your education affordable without federal aid.
At Ascension Online College, we are committed to helping you explore all the financial options available to you, ensuring that you have the resources you need to succeed. Our dedicated financial aid team is here to guide you through the process and help you find the best solutions for your unique situation.
Ready to start your educational journey without the hassle of FAFSA? Enroll today to Ascension Online College and take the next step toward your academic and career goals.
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