Godfrey, Ill. – You can afford a college education, even in this economic climate.
In fact, following a recent study of Lewis and Clark District 536 by Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. (EMSI), a third-party research firm from Moscow, ID, how can you afford not to?
The study, released earlier this year, revealed that students who earn an associate’s degree can expect to earn $9,700 more per year than a student with a high school diploma.
For many struggling with personal finances, tuition for school may feel out of reach – but it isn’t. From free grant money to low-interest loans, scholarships and work study programs, financial aid is available to help students reach their educational goals.
Eligibility for these different forms of aid is calculated from the students’ or students’ family’s income and assets to determine need, based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
(Haven’t filled one out? Do it today at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.)
“Funding for Pell grants and financial aid was included in the recent debt-limit talks in Washington, so funds are available for those who qualify,” said Kent Scheffel, vice president of Enrollment Services at Lewis and Clark Community College.
According to the American Association of Community Colleges, the bill would provide $10 billion for the Pell Grant program in FY 2012 and the balance will help fund the program in FY 2013, providing hope for students of the future as well.
Students who do not qualify for grants may be still eligible today (by filling out the FAFSA) for low interest (3.4 percent) federal student loans, which don’t have to be repaid until they drop below half-time enrollment or graduate.
Various scholarships throughout the community are also available to help students and are based on varying criteria, including but not limited to academic performance, athletic performance and more.
Even for students not eligible for aid, interest-free financing through Lewis and Clark makes it possible to pay tuition in three easy payments.
The process can be intimidating, but the Financial Aid office at Lewis and Clark is here to help students get the most out of the experience. Visit
http://www.lc.edu/aid for more information or call (618) 468-2223 for help today.
Lewis and Clark’s main Financial Aid Office is located in Baldwin Hall, Room 2450, on the Godfrey campus.