There are many grants to go back to school for unemployed adults. So, if you’re currently unemployed and considering a degree, applying for a grant could be strategic.
Earning a postsecondary degree can be a valuable asset when it comes to finding a career, and grants may help you pay for your education when funds are tight.
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Whether you choose to return to a trade school or earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, there are many grants that may be available to help you achieve your goal.
Grants to Go Back to School for Unemployed Adults
While making the decision to go back to school can be exciting, it can also be stressful. Financing your education can seem daunting, especially as an adult with other responsibilities.
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Fortunately, there are many back to school grants for unemployed individuals. These can range from federal grants for students attending a four-year program to various scholarships.
Types of grants and opportunities include:
- Federal grants
- State grants
- Grants from your university or college
- Scholarships for non-traditional students
Many federal, state, and non-profit agencies and organizations across the US provide unemployment school grants to adults looking to continue their education.
One benefit about grants and scholarships is that, unlike loans, they don’t have to be repaid. But, with that being said, some grants do have certain conditions that must be fulfilled.
Many federal grants require documented proof of belonging to a low-income household or of unemployment. Some grants are also specific to the career you intend to pursue. For instance, the TEACH grant requires awarded students to teach in a low-income community for 4 years.
Your specific state may also offer grants to go back to college and scholarship programs, so it can be helpful sure to research the various options that may be available.
The amount each grant awards can vary depending on the type of grant, financial need, and the program you wish to pursue.
Types of College Grants for Unemployed Adults
There are several types of grants for unemployed adults and grants for low income students available. Below are several to look into:
- Federal Pell Grant. The Pell Grant is a need-based grant for undergraduate students attending an accredited university or college. The amount of this grant can vary by several factors, including your expected family contribution (EFC), which is calculated by your family’s income and assets. Your cost of attendance as well as whether you attend part-time or full-time are also factors in determining how much aid you could receive.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Like the Pell Grant, the FSEOG is a need-based grant. The difference between this grant and the Pell Grant is that FSEOG grants are only available at participating schools. Grant amounts can range from $100 to $4,000, depending on your school and financial situation.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. This grant may be available to undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate students pursing degrees in education administration or teaching. The stipulation with the TEACH Grant is that you agree to teach in a low-income community school for a minimum of 4 years, or the grant will need to be repaid.
- University-Sponsored Grants. Many universities and colleges offer grants to adult learners returning to school. These grants come from scholarship funds and endowments. They are need-based, and you may be required to meet other criteria as well.
- State-Specific Grants. Specific states may also offer grants for adults returning to college. An example of this is Indiana’s “You can. Go back.” program that offers assistance for adult students.
In addition, there may also be grants available specifically for women, such as the Emerge Scholarship Fund, or grants for moms going back to school.
Grant Eligibility
Most unemployed scholarships and grants require that you demonstrate financial need. It’s necessary to complete the FAFSA every year to determine your continued eligibility for need-based aid.
Other factors may also determine your eligibility, such as your cost of attendance and expected family contribution (EFC), which is based on your family’s income and assets.
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To give an example, you may not be eligible for a grant if your EFC exceeds your cost of attendance. In addition, adults who are incarcerated in a federal or state prison will not be eligible for Federal Pell Grants.
Other requirements may be more specific to your grant type. For instance, if you receive the TEACH Grant, you agree to teach in a low-income school for at least 4 years.
How to Apply for College Grants
Here are some common steps when considering college grants:
- Submit the FAFSA. To apply for federal grants and loans, a common first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application can also determine your eligibility for opportunities like work-study programs.
- Search for available grants. Next, you can search for private grants and scholarships based on your field of study. You can even browse through the scholarship search tool on the US Department of Labor website.
- Review your financial aid award letter. It can be helpful to review your financial aid award letter from schools you are considering attending. These can list unemployment school grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs you are eligible for.
These avenues can help you discover specific grants for your unique situation. If you’re eligible for grants, it helps to apply as soon as possible, as some are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
What Are Grants for College?
Grants for college are a type of federal, state, institutional, or private financial assistance that doesn’t need to be repaid.
Grants and scholarships for adults returning to college are a highly desirable form of aid for those in financial need because they help pay the cost of a college degree without the burden of repayment. Grants are typically awarded through states, colleges, the federal government, and even private organizations.
The amount each grant awards depends on several factors, including financial need, family contribution, field of study, and more.
What’s the Difference Between Grants vs. Scholarships?
While scholarships and grants can both be considered forms of “free money” to go to college, they are different in several ways.
- Grants: Grant funding is generally for students demonstrating financial need, so the amount can vary depending on several financial factors. Grant amounts can also vary each year depending on a family’s change in income.
- Scholarships: Scholarships are typically based on merit, talent, or achievement. Some offer a fixed amount each year.
As you can see, both grants and scholarships may offer free aid that doesn’t need to be repaid, but the requirements for each are often different.
Best Grants to Go Back to School for the Unemployed
If you’re currently unemployed and wanting to go back to school, here are 10 grants you can explore.
- Alliss Opportunity Grant – $350 – $1,100
- Federal Pell Grant – Maximum of $6,895
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant – $100 – $4,000 per year
- Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program – $1,000
- Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant – Non-Tuition Funding
- M.J. Foster Promise Programs – $3,200 and a maximum of $6,400 per year
- Pell Grant – $4,050 per student
- Return2College – $1,000
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education – Up to $4,000 per year
- Washington College Grant – Need-Based programs
Each grant opportunity will have its own unique qualifications and application process.
Applying for College Grants
If you are unemployed, applying for grants to go back to college can be a strategic way to help fund your education.
Going back to school as an adult is a big decision, and grants can offer an opportunity for financial relief while studying. Grants can also be beneficial since many can be renewed each year and don’t have to be repaid, provided their requirements are fulfilled.
Using grants to help earn a college degree may also increase your chances of employment and might even result in connections that provide career opportunities.
You can take the next step in your educational journey today by exploring accredited schools and potential grant opportunities.
