When it’s time to make the decision to further your education, it always seems to come down to one main factor: money. In the past 10 years, the cost of college has increased by more than 25 percent. Earning a college degree is a major investment, and to obtain their degree, people spend a great deal of time sorting out their finances.
Excelsior College is a not-for-profit, distance-learning institution that focuses on providing educational opportunities for adults. Based in Albany, New York, the college has received praise and high rankings for their courses and degree programs. Not only are they generous with credit transfers (accepting credits from previous schools, certifications, and programs), but they also offer discounted tuition within partnerships held with the school.
While all of this is helpful for paying for school, that’s not even all of it. Excelsior offers a list of financial aid options: federal, state, internal and external scholarships, and so much more! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Excelsior College’s financial information.
FAFSA
First and foremost, you’ll have to make sure you complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the U.S. Department of Education. Once you submit your FAFSA (along with your study plan and course approval), you’ll work with your Excelsior College financial aid advisor to select the best options for you!
Federal Aid
There are two types of federal aid: federal grants and federal loans. These are both based on your financial needs, but you’ll only need to repay the loans. To be approved for federal aid, the following are essential: you must maintain half-time student status, have a high school diploma or GED, and be enrolled or accepted for an Excelsior degree program.
New York State Financial Aid
New York has several programs for New York state residents who are earning credit from a New York-based school. To qualify, you’ll have to be a resident for at least 12 months. The deadline to apply will be January 15 and July 15, for the spring and fall semester respectively.
The following programs are available:
-Aid to Part-Time Students (APTS)
-Vietnam Veterans Tuition Assistance (VVTA) and Persian Gulf Veterans Tuition Assistance (PGVTA)
-Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program.
Learn the details of these programs and check your eligibility by viewing the full listings here.
Excelsior College Scholarships
Financial help doesn’t stop with federal and state aids. Here is where you really get to dive in and find out all that Excelsior has to offer for your personal scholarship! There are plenty of scholarships available, all placed in four categories:
-Scholarship Based on Financial Need
-Scholarship for Specific Degree Programs
-Scholarship for Nursing Degree Programs
-Scholarship for Military, Veterans, and Family Members
Once your FAFSA has been processed, you’ll be considered for the scholarship. Check out the full comprehensive list of the scholarships available here.
External Scholarships
While Excelsior College offers several options for financial help, it’s always beneficial to look at outside sources as well! There are several websites and online platforms that provide a list of scholarships that range for academic, personal and much more. It’s important to conduct your own search while trying to obtain scholarship money; you never know what’s out there.
Excelsior College has compiled a list full of sources and links to help you navigate your external scholarship search. You can find the list here.
Having the financial means to continue your higher education is a true pleasure. Good luck in obtaining the required money; your education is worth the investment!
