Financial Aid Options for Adults

Are you interested in continuing your education but are not sure how you'll be able to afford it? While cost is always a consideration, there are many options to help you afford college and GAcollege411 is here to help you understand and explore those options.

To get started, we recommend our comprehensive guide to financial aid — Financial Aid 411. With this guide, you will learn about the different categories and types of financial aid along with the steps required to research, apply and receive financial aid. Once you have an overview of the process, you can find more information on specific scholarships, grants, and loans in the Paying for College section.

As an Adult Learner, there are special considerations relative to financing your education. The following are some specific tips that may help you:

• There are private scholarships available for unique situations such as the adult learner in addition to many of the programs you will find in our Scholarships & Grants section. Watch newspapers and local publications for scholarships offered through local community service organizations, businesses, clubs, unions, churches, fraternal groups, etc. and contact them for more information.

• Check with community organizations and civic groups such as American Legion, YMCA, 4-H Club, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, etc.

• Check to see if you can get credit for life or work experiences or courses offered by business, government, the Armed Forces and other organizations.

• Ask your employer if there is a tuition assistance program available for employees and if you're eligible. You may also be eligible to deduct these benefits, click here to learn more.

• There may be other Tax Savings available to you to help reduce the actual cost of your education.

REMEMBER — filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key that opens the door to financial aid. Most schools recommend that you submit the FAFSA between January 1 and mid-February. If it is time for you to complete a FAFSA, you can accomplish this online through our FAFSA section.

Note to veterans: If you have served in a branch of the United States military, you may be eligible to receive educational benefits offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Click here to review those opportunities.