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Married Student Gants

Article on Married Student Gants

For a very long time, married students, especially women, were expected to make a choice between their commitment to marriage and their desire to continue studying. In most cases, they would end up choosing the former. However, in today’s modern society this is not an issue that needs to be contended with. The current problem revolves around funding that education. No matter how committed you may be to the cause of putting you or your spouse through college, insufficient funds can dampen your enthusiasm. Thankfully, there are married student grants that can pave your way back to college.

Federal Pell Grant Program

Federal Pell Grants are among the most popular grants awarded by the government but they are not meant solely for married students. These grants are awarded on the basis of need and deserving applicants can receive up to $5,500 every year. So, if a student happens to be doing an undergraduate course and he cannot afford the costs, he or she might be eligible for a Pell Grant. In fact, the applicant’s chances of getting married student grants will significantly increase if both husband and wife are students.

Determining Estimated Family Contribution

To be considered for the Federal Pell Grant Program, applicants have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This information provided in this form assesses their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). In very simple words what that means is it helps calculate how much a family is able to contribute towards the applicant’s college education.

Being Classified Dependent or Independent Candidate

When granting financial aid, the government categorizes you either as dependent or independent. Remember, living away from parents does not automatically categorize you as an independent. Legally married applicants, on the other hand, are considered independent. Independent candidates are not required to provide details of their parents’ income in order to get married student grants. However, there is a loophole in there that you need to be aware of.

When Marriage does not make you an Independent Candidate

For those students who get married halfway through a college session, they do not have the option of changing over to an independent status and applying for married student grants mid-term. They will still be regarded as dependents on their parents and will be required to wait until the next session/year begins by which time they will have completed their FAFSA.

Documents & Qualifications for Married Student Grants

Generally, these are the documents you’d be asked for when applying for a grant for married students - letter of recommendation, request letter, official transcript of records, marriage certificate, resume, income proof, and completed application form. In addition to this, applicants should have a grade point average of 3.0 or more. They may also be asked to write essays or clear qualifying exams as part of the process of application.

Grants for married students have made it possible for various people to come back to mainstream education while handling their family too. Young couples no longer have to live a life of compromise.