With the objective of supporting student education, the US federal government offers several different types of grants, scholarships and student loans that are administered by different agencies including schools, federal government-approved lenders and the US Department of Education.

There are three different student aid programs administered directly by the financial aid office at each participating school. These include the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS) and the Federal Perkins Loans Programs.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This program is especially for undergraduate students. These grants operate in a way similar to Pell Grant; in the sense that they need not be paid back.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS): Under this student aid program, students are provided an opportunity to work part-time and pay for their educational expenses. This program is available for both undergraduate and graduate students who are in need of financial help. In most cases, students have to work for the school under this program. Students can either opt for a community service work or any other job related to their course of study. If the students prefer an off-campus job, the employer must be a private non-profit organization having an agreement with the school.

Perkins Loans: These are student loans offered by the school's financial aid office to both graduate and undergraduate students. Normally, the interest rate on Perkins Loans is around 5 percent. Repayment period begins after the student has completed his/her education and left the school. Usually, a nine-month grace period is provided to every student after which the student has to repay the loan. The maximum eligible loan amount under this program is $4,000 each year for undergraduate students.



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We recommend the following tips to increase your chances of securing a valuable Scholarship for your education. Remember, often times scholarships are financial rewards that never have to be repaid. How great is that!

1. Do not limit your scholarship searching resources. Uncover a plethora of options. Your school, local guidance counselor, or library is a good start. The Internet offers an almost unlimited amount of scholarship portals, which allows its users to locate the right scholarship for their needs.

2. Every heard the saying, "Try, Try and Try Again"? Well the same can be applied to scholarships, "Apply, Apply and Apply Again". A lot of students only apply for 1-2 scholarships. This severely decreases their chances for securing funds for their education. Increase your chances by accessing the robust scholarship databases offered online.

3. Stay organized. If you took the advice from point #2, then you will have a lot to keep track of come deadline time. Keep notes on which scholarships require what information and when the submission date expires.

4. Keep your head up. You will most likely not be awarded every scholarship you apply for, however if you stay positive and follow some simple tips mentioned above you will find the right financial assistance you need.

Other notes of interest:

Last year the U.S. Government passed a bill that will increase aid to college students.

A college education is more important than ever these days.

Do not let the cost of an education deter you from reaching your dreams.

Scholarships are the best way to fund your education. Why? Because you rarely have to repay the money.

Some grants and scholarships are based on financial need; others are awarded based on achievement, religious affiliation, ethnicity, memberships, hobbies, or special interests.

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Many of the clients I talk to on a daily basis have questions about funding college for one or more of their children. Regardless of if you have done a great job saving for your children's education or you have no clue as to how to pay for their first textbook, you need to check out N2 College Consulting.

Jill Howell is a Certified School Counselor and the founder/owner of N2 College. Her average high school senior in 2007 received almost $49,000 in college scholarships! Jill has helped college bound students receive over $4,500,000 in scholarships!

Jill Howell works with clients from around the country to help them earn as much scholarship funds as they are capable of. Jill can assist with any part of the admissions process as well as the career "pre-planning through transition" stages that come later for students.

The mother of recent client Anna Smith had this to say, "It is reassuring for me, a homeschooling mother, to have someone of Jill's caliber to advise me about all the details that go into the college entrance process. I could have really used her help with my first child. N2College has finally come along, and our time with Jill has definitely paid off with Anna. Anna applied for and received a nice scholarship last year. But this year, with Jill's help, the same school tripled the amount they offered last year. Comparing last year's award to this year's award, for each dollar we spent on Jill's consultation Anna reaped $232 on a four-year scholarship."

Jill Howell and N2 College are fully endorsed by Lukas Coaching to help you lessen the burden of paying for college. We have arranged a special offer for Lukas Coaching Reader's Group members.

For a limited time only, Jill is offering the first 10 clients 50% off any program you chose. Simply contact Jill toll-free at (877) 526-6370 and mention Lukas Coaching.

The cost of a higher education is quickly escalating, so let Jill help you through the process and save you money at the same time!

Justin Lukasavige is a Personal & Business Coach, and owner of Lukas Coaching. You can view more free articles, download free books, and become a member of the Reader's Group at no cost by visiting http://www.lukascoaching.com



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