Federal Grants Provided For Online Degrees!

President Obama’s Recovery Act in 2009, wasn’t only focused on jobs. The Commander in Chief realized one of the best ways to improve a citizen’s income is to advance the person’s education. As such, a major part of the Act, $225 billion of it, is dedicated to contracts, grants and loans, including college loans, and $500 million of that will have a direct impact on online colleges.

“All along that education pipeline, too many people”, he said in a speech last year, “are slipping through the cracks. It’s not only heartbreaking for those students; it’s a loss for our economy and our country.”

The stats truly are alarming. Only 29% of Americans have a college degree, where most other industrialized nations near 40%. Another statistic is that only approximately 40% of Americans who start a college program see it through to graduation. Compounding this, the price of getting a degree rises an average of 8% annually and this rising cost is a large reason for the high dropout rate of those who have started but cannot afford to continue.

For example, in his first year of office alone, the President dedicated $500 million to have community colleges develop new online education programs. From there, he wants to have these courses available to all students who can get online, from their desktop to the new Amazon Kindle. Actually, what’s truly amazing is he wants to see 20-25 new government-approved courses available per year.

One of the key reasons for this program is the overall affordability of online education versus on campus. The Board of Education estimates that online education costs a student approximately 40% less than going on campus. The average cost of an on campus education these days is $150,000 for a four-year degree, while USA Today reports the cost is $65,000 for the same amount of time.

These days one can get an online degree in nearly every subject, from vocational trade certificates to Masters. Many online academies offer classes as comprehensive as the top schools throughout the world. Many are actually created and offered by these same top schools. It’s no surprise the President is a fan of online education. Students get the same education online and attending this way allows more students to participate as they are able to work and attend classes at the same time.

Not surprisingly, there are many money-saving benefits to attending a school from home. The student can continue their work, a feature that is particularly attractive. Many companies, including some of the major players in convenience foods, offer scholarships to employees. If those working for the chain are there for a certain number of hours, they can get aid, study and work conveniently located. Those with children will appreciate not having to spend money for sitter fees, not to mention transportation costs.

The benefits of the program will benefit both the citizens and the government. A better educated citizenry at a cost-effective price means competition in jobs and a more affluent overall lifestyle. The availability of college grants and scholarships for students are a means to help get your education on track. Researching grant online for online school will provide you with information for your individual situation. More education means more choices – appreciated at every level. There is a range of information available about receiving your Federal Pell Grant on the internet.