Finding grants and scholarships for part-time college students?

I'm planning to attend college part-time due to work commitments and I'm wondering if there are grants or scholarships specifically for part-time students. How does being a part-time student affect financial aid options?

Yes, financial aid options may be somewhat different for part-time students, but you can still access numerous scholarships and grants tailored to meet your needs.

As a part-time student, you are still eligible for federal financial aid. The Pell Grant, for instance, is available to part-time students and can offer significant assistance. Remember that the actual amount you receive could be less than if you were full-time, as it is often prorated based on the number of credit hours you're taking.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is another federal grant available to part-time students. Like the Pell Grant, the amount you receive can vary based on your enrollment status.

In addition to federal grants, certain states also offer grants to part-time students. You can check your state's Department of Education website for information on this.

For scholarships, while some are exclusive to full-time students, there are also various scholarships intended specifically for part-time students. For instance, the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards offer assistance to women who are the primary breadwinners for their families and are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program or vocational skills training program on a part-time basis.

Many scholarship portals like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, or Appily allow you to filter scholarships based on your part-time status.

Moreover, if you are working while going to school, your employer might offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs. It might be beneficial to inquire about this with your HR department.

Be mindful when filling out your FAFSA form, where you'll need to indicate that you plan to attend college as a part-time student, so you can be considered for the correct amount of aid.

Remember, every bit of financial aid can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, thereby lessening any potential debt you might face upon graduating. Apply for as many as you are eligible for and good luck!