funding your bachelors

Introduction

Going back to college to complete your bachelor’s degree is an important decision that has lifelong implications.

It’s an investment in your future, one that pays dividends in terms of greater career opportunities and potentially higher earnings.

Still, many students feel overwhelmed at the thought of how to fund their education.

This guide will give you an overview of many funding sources available.

There are many sources to fund your degree

It all starts with FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• https://fafsa.ed.gov/

• Eckerd College code: 001487

Funding options at-a-glance

Federal

Employer

State

Military

Institutional

Professional Associations

Community

Federal options include:

Federal Need Based?

Annual Academic Year Award Range

Per Semester Enrollment Requirements

Federal Pell Grant Yes Up to $5,815/yrProrated if

attending less than full time

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Yes $100-$4,000/yr(funds are limited)

At least half-time (**not available in summer semester)

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds

Yes Up to $3,500/yrfor up to 2 years with a lifetime cap

of $7,000

See www.CareerSourceTampaBay.com


Federal Direct Student Loans, require enrollment of at least half-time status and come in two forms:

• Subsidized: loans are needs-based• Unsubsidized: loans are not needs-based

Sophomore Up to $10,500, of which no more than $4,500 can be subsidized

Junior / Senior Up to $12,500, of which no more than $5,500 can be subsidized

Freshman Up to $9,500, of which no more than $3,500 can be subsidized

FederalLoans:

American Opportunity Tax Credit

The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a credit for qualified education expenses for the first 4 years of higher education. You can get a maximum annual credit of $2,500.

You can claim this credit when you file your tax return. For more information about eligibility, go to irs.gov/individuals/aotc


Lifetime Learning Tax Credit

The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is a credit for qualified higher education expenses. You can get a maximum annual credit of $2,000 and there is no limit to the number of years you can claim the credit.

You can claim this credit when you file your tax return. For more information about eligibility, go to irs.gov/individuals/llc



Federal

Employer

State

Military

Institutional


Community

Options available in the state of Florida include:

Florida Need Based?

Annual Academic Year Award Range

Per Semester Enrollment Requirements

Florida ResidentAccess Grant (FRAG)

No $3,000/yr$1,500/semester

Full-time only (**not available in summer semester)

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)

Yes $200-$2,000/yr(funds are limited)

Full-time only (**not available in summer semester)

Florida Prepaid * No Contact Florida Prepaid benefits administrator

www.MyFloridaPrepaid.com

* Note: Unused Florida Prepaid can be rolled over from the original beneficiary to other family members.


Federal

Employer

State

Military

Institutional


Community

Eckerd College

Institutional Support

At-a-Glance

Credit Through Examination *

Transfer Credit *

Credit for Military Service *

Scholarships

Experiential Credit *

* Course credit options as allowed within the requirements to fulfill the degree plan

Institutional options:

Eckerd College


Transfer Credit *

At Eckerd College, your transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions don’t expire no matter how long ago the credit was earned. Courses earning a C- or better are accepted.


Eckerd College


Credit for Military Service*

Your military experience can count. Joint Service Transcripts (JST) and Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) can translate into experiential credits and count towards your degree.


Eckerd College


Experiential Credit *

Course credit may be awarded for college-level learning gained outside of the classroom such as recognizing the learning earned for professional licenses or certificates. An evaluation is based on the knowledge gained from your experience representing at least 160 hours of organized study.


Eckerd College


Credit through Examination*CLEP and DSST exams allow you to demonstrate proficiency in certain subject areas, granting up to 6 course credits and receiving up to 21 hours of credit, saving you time and money.


Eckerd College


Institutional ScholarshipsEckerd College awards internal scholarship money to incoming and current PEL students. Last year, more than $154,000 in scholarship money was disbursed to PEL students. Priority is given to those with financial need, however other eligibility requirements may apply.



Federal

Employer

State

Military

Institutional


Community

Military options

Credit for Military Service

Your military experience may count towards course credit. Submit your JST / CCAF for review to determine what can count towards experiential credit.

Spouse / Dependent Ed Transfer

Unused GI Bill education benefits can be transferred to spouse or dependents to earn their degree.

GI BillFor veterans eligible for 100% Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) GI Bill, the benefit covers tuition up to $21,970.46 per year of eligibility.

Eckerd College is a Yellow Ribbon school, and has earned the 2016 Military Friendly School designation.


Federal

Employer

State

Military

Institutional


Community

Employer

Tuition Assistance / ReimbursementMany employers offer tuition assistance / reimbursement benefits to retain valued employees. Some restrictions may apply.

See your employer benefits administrator for more information.


Federal

Employer

State

Military

Institutional


Community


Many professional associations offer scholarships at the local chapter level to those advancing in the field. Examples:

• SHRM

• American Marketing Association

Join your local professional association and check out their scholarship requirements.


Federal

Employer

State

Military

Institutional


Community

Community

Community organizations also offer scholarship opportunities.

Examples:

• Credit unions

• Rotary local chapters

• Local business associations

Check with the local groups to which you currently belong.

Your education will serve you for a lifetime. There are many sources to explore in fund your goal of earning a degree.

Beyond what the financial aid office can provide, look to employer, military, professional and community options to pursue a degree at your college of choice, where the degree you earn is something you can be proud of and one employers will value.

For more information: Eckerd.edu/pel/finaidOr set up an admissions appointment to discuss your options:

St. Petersburg: 727-864-8226Tampa: 813-282-0002

Conclusion

funding your bachelors

Documents

Transcript of funding your bachelors