Financial Aid Overview for Accounting Degree Programs

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Earning a degree takes a large financial investment. At most schools, full-time and part-time students enjoy eligibility for federal student financial aid as long as they attend an accredited educational institution.

Many schools offer merit- and need-based scholarships, including accounting scholarships for undergraduates, and scholarships for those seeking a master's degree in accounting. Schools often offer flexible payment plans and reduced tuition rates for military students and their families.

Prospective students should consider the cost of books, special equipment, learning resources, and materials. Students who travel to and from a brick-and-mortar building for classes must also calculate costs for gas, tolls, and parking. This guide highlights some of the financial aid and scholarships for accounting majors.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for Accounting Students

By providing more than $112 billion in loans, grants, and work-study funds, federal student aid helps more than 10 million students pay for educational expenses each year.

Students should apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must seek out admission to a degree- or certificate-seeking program and cannot default on a current loan or owe a refund.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate, and no criminal record. Male applicants not serving active duty must register with the Selective Service System.

To complete the FAFSA, applicants need to submit their social security number or A-number (if undocumented) and all records of money earned, including federal income tax returns and W-2s.

Applicants must submit bank statements and investment records. Dependent students will need this information from their parents. Students can complete the FAFSA any time between Oct. 1 and June 30 of their academic year.

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Government Student Aid Programs

Authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, federal student aid goes to education-related expenses. Federal aid programs consist of loans, grants, and work-study funds.

In the case of loans, students must pay the funds back to the lenders. Students do not need to pay back grants. Work-study programs allow students to earn money by working part-time jobs.

Federal Direct Loan Programs

The U.S. Department of Education offers the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, the largest federal loan program for students. This direct loan program consists of four types: direct subsidized stafford loans, direct unsubsidized stafford loans, direct PLUS loans, and direct consolidation loans.

Undergraduate students at colleges, universities, and vocational schools qualify for direct subsidized Stafford loans. The amount of money students can borrow varies based on financial need. Students get a six-month grace period after graduation in which the government pays the interest.

Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at colleges, universities, or vocational schools may qualify for direct unsubsidized Stafford loans. Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans require students to attend a school at least part time.

For Stafford loans, students do not have to demonstrate financial need. They must, however, pay interest the whole time.

Graduate and professional students, or parents of dependent undergraduate students, qualify for Direct PLUS loans. PLUS loans require students have no adverse credit history and attend school on a part-time basis minimum.

Graduate students benefit from a six-month grace period after graduation before having to repay PLUS loans. Parent PLUS borrowers must start repayment after loan disbursement.

Direct consolidation loans allow students with outstanding balances to combine multiple federal loans into one single monthly payment plan.

Federal Perkins Loans

Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students demonstrating great financial need qualify for the Federal Perkins Loan Program. With the Perkins Loan, the school lends money directly to the student to pay for education-related expenses.

Schools determine the student's financial need a\based on the difference between cost of attendance and a student's expected family contribution. The student repays the school or the loan servicer.

Students must attend school on at least a part-time basis to qualify for the Perkins loan. They have a nine-month grace period before starting repayment. The grace period for part-time students varies per school.

Not all schools participate in the Perkins Loan program. Additionally, fund availability may affect the amount of money each student can receive. As a result, not all qualified students receive money.

Federal Work-Study Program

Federal work-study programs provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to earn money by working part-time jobs. Students qualify by demonstrating financial need. A student's total work-study award depends on several factors, including application deadlines, financial need, and fund availability.

Learners may work in areas related to their major course of study. Work can be on or off campus; off-campus jobs must cater to the interest of the public — either in public agencies or private nonprofit organizations.

Students may enroll in school on a full-time or part-time basis. Work-study jobs must pay students at least the federal minimum wage. Undergraduate students earn an hourly wage, while graduate and professional students earn either an hourly wage or a monthly salary.

State Aid

Students can access state loans, grants, and scholarships. Nonprofit organizations or regional programs often offer state-sponsored aid. Some state-funded grants cater to specific student populations, including low-income students, veterans or military members, students with disabilities, and those pursuing specific fields of study such as accounting.

State aid often goes to those in financial need who attend in-state colleges; however, some states allow residents to attend out-of-state schools.

Students often apply for state aid using the FAFSA, but state aid might require additional forms. If students qualify for federal aid, they likely qualify for state financial aid. However, students failing to qualify for federal aid may still qualify for state financial aid.

The application procedure and distribution process for state-funded financial aid varies. The state may distribute funds on either a first-come-first-served basis or based on an application deadline.

To learn more about specific requirements, students must visit their state's department of education and other education agencies.

Post-9/11 GI Bill®

Managed by the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Post 9/11 GI Bill helps active-duty service members with their education. To qualify, veterans need either a minimum 90 days of active-duty service after September, 10, 2001, or to be honorably discharged after serving for 30 days.

This education benefit covers tuition, housing, books, supplies, licensing fees, and certification tests. Other approved trainings include: independent and distance learning, vocational and technical trainings, on-the-job training, and tutorial assistance.

Students can receive this VA-administered education benefit for up to 36 months, but cannot change programs after activating GI Bill benefits. Students released from duty before 2013 have a 15-year time limit from their last period of active duty; students discharged after 2013 do not have a time limit.

The Yellow Ribbon program covers out-of-state tuition and fees from private degree-granting schools. Schools must voluntarily opt into the program. Students can transfer some or all of their unused benefits to their children and spouse.

The Department of Defense determines transfer eligibility. The Marine Gunnery John David Fry Scholarship Program caters to children of Armed Forces members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.

* GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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Learn more about military education benefits

Free Money for Your Accounting Program

In education finance, the term "free money" describes financial aid that students need not repay. The most common examples include scholarships and grants. Scholarships are funding programs often awarded on the basis of merit or need.

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes three types of grants:

• Discretionary grants, which are assigned through competitive application-based programs
• Student grants, awarded to students who require financial assistance in order to pursue higher education
• Formula grants, funded by Congressional formulas and awarded automatically to eligible recipients

"Free money" helps students meet their education costs without adding to their debt loads. It is thus widely considered the best form of financial aid a student can receive.

Scholarships

Scholarships serve as a great method for financing an education. Several institutions, such as government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations may award accounting scholarships.

Some schools set aside scholarship money to help students cover tuition. Other schools offer scholarships based on donor funding.

High SAT or ACT scores, class rank, GPA, and leadership skills count towards merit-based scholarships. Other scholarships cater specifically to underrepresented populations, children of alumni, or students majoring in a specific field — such as scholarships for accounting majors.

When students fill out the FAFSA, they automatically apply for scholarships. Students need to reapply each year.

Application deadlines and requirements vary by scholarship. Depending on the scholarships, either the student or the institution will receive the funds.

Grants for Accounting Students

Similar to scholarships, students receive grants to help pay for educational expenses. More often than not, students do not need to repay grants except in specific circumstances, such as a student withdrawing from school.

Students receive grants based on financial need rather than academic standing. Students may receive grant funds on a limited or first-come-first-served basis.

The U.S. Department of Education offers the Federal Pell Grant, the largest federally funded grant, to students who enroll on at least a part-time basis. State governments, private foundations, organizations, and corporations also award grants.

When students submit the FAFSA, they automatically apply for grants. Private grants list their own set of deadlines and requirements. For example, some grants cater to specific populations, such as doctoral candidates pursuing research or those who work in specialized industries such as accounting or financial management.

Fellowships and Assistantships

Fellowships and assistantships also finance an education. Students receive these awards based on academic merit and available funding. Graduate assistantships often go to students with research and teaching interests.

Assistantships vary in responsibility and compensation, which sometimes includes tuition remission. Generally, the government will tax money earned from an assistantship.

Known for rigorous and intensive trainings, fellowships are short-term professional development opportunities for graduate students. Fellows receive small stipends to cover basic living expenses.

Some fellows receive healthcare coverage and loan repayment assistance. Students receive fellowships based on merit and leadership qualities as part of a financial aid package.

Application deadlines and requirements vary depending on the fellowship, and tend to include letters of recommendation, writing samples, and an interview.

School-Based Financial Aid

Many educational institutions offer school-based financial aid. In this case, the money comes directly from the school's own funds. Some schools have initiatives directed at specific student populations — for example, families with yearly incomes below $65,000.

Schools may offer financing options, installment payment plans, or need-based loans and grants. Some schools within larger universities may offer grants or scholarships for students in specific majors.

School-based scholarships, such as accounting scholarships for undergraduates, often prove competitive. Students may need to fill out additional applications and meet specific deadlines to qualify for school-based financial aid. Individual schools determine the requirements.

Private Student Loan Options

Private lending institutions and individuals fund private student loans. Those pursuing community college and technical training; undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree-seeking students; and parents of dependent students may use private student loans.

Private loans often require a good credit score or an established credit history. Some private lending institutions require a co-signer. Cosigners take on some risks should the beneficiary of the loan default on payment.

Repayment options for private loans vary. Most private loans require monthly payments with fees attached to late or default payments. Some private student loans require students to pay even while they attend school.

Students should check the interest rate, the total cost of the loan, and the total fees prior to signing. While federal loans often feature fixed interest rates, private loans list adjustable or variable interest rates — which can increase the total amount of repayment.

Private lenders may not offer loan forgiveness, deferment, forbearance, or income-driven repayment options during financially difficult times.

Financial Institution Loans

Many financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, offer private student loans to help individuals pay for education-related expenses. Banks and credit unions list varying interest rates, repayment options, loyalty discounts, and miscellaneous fees.

Private institution loans come with less flexibility than federal options; however, many lenders offer low interest rates, cosigning options, or multiyear approvals. Private loans from financial institutions cater to four-year undergraduate students, graduate students pursuing their master's degrees, career and community college attendees, or parents of dependent students.

To apply for financial institution loans, students should first calculate the amount of money they need to borrow.

Loans From Family and Friends

Some students look to friends and family as a resource for funding an education. However, learners should consider how borrowing money affects relationships.

Before friends and family borrow and lend money to each other, they must establish a repayment plan. Determining a set schedule for repayment will help the borrower stick to a reasonable timeframe.

Lenders and borrowers may want to discuss possible interest rates, consequences for veering off schedule, or even loan forgiveness options.

Using Savings to Pay for Your Accounting Degree

Using your own savings does not technically qualify as a form of financial aid. However, it will help you avoid taking on the debt associated with federal and private loans.

Financial institutions offer several special accounts for students and parents seeking to save money for college. These include 529 Plans, custodial accounts, college savings accounts, and Roth IRA tax savings plans.

Personal and Family Savings

Sponsored by a state or state agency, a 529 college savings plan serves as a flexible tax advantage investment account. Designed to help taxpayers pay for college expenses, 529 plans help with education-related expenses such as tuition and books at accredited colleges and universities.

Parents, grandparents, or other relatives often open up a 529 account for young children, with the goal of contributing to their education. Any U.S. resident 18 years of age or older with a social security number or tax ID can open up a 529 account.

Owners of this type of account can withdraw the funds at any time for any reason. The government issues the funds tax free. Keep in mind 529 college savings plans apply only to states with income tax.

Retirement Savings

Parents can use funds from their retirement savings to pay for school. Traditional IRA or Roth IRA distributions for qualified higher education expenses are penalty-free for adults aged 59 and younger — so long as the money goes to a child, grandchild, spouse, or parent enrolled at least half time.

Adults aged 59½ or older whose Roth IRA meets a 5-year aging requirement can receive a tax-free distribution. However, early withdrawals are subject to tax liability.

When calculating financial aid packages, educational institutions may treat the IRA distribution as income, which may reduce the total amount of financial aid. Loans borrowed against the value of a retirement plan may not be subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty or taxed as ordinary income, but they must be paid back with interest within five years, possibly sooner in the event of changing jobs.

Some people choose to use retirement savings to cover college expenses. However, many financial advisors suggest doing this as a last resort, given that it could lead to early withdrawal penalties, excessive income tax, and a lack of retirement savings.

Common Questions About Financial Aid

What is the difference between a federal and private loan?

Federal loans are issued by the U.S. federal government and offer flexible repayment schedules and other cost-saving advantages. Private loans are issued by banks and other financial institutions. They tend to have more rigid repayment terms.

Which is better, a scholarship or a grant?

Scholarships and grants are both non-repayable forms of aid that qualify as what is commonly called "free money." Neither is "better" than the other. However, grants may be more readily attainable as most scholarships involve highly competitive application processes.

Is a grant based on financial need?

Certain types of federal education grants such as Pell Grants are based on financial need. However, need is often not the only factor that determines how limited grant funding is distributed. For instance, Pell Grants are normally reserved for students who display exceptional academic achievement.

What is the benefit of a work-study?

Work-study programs provide a helpful financial boost without affecting your eligibility for federal loans. They can also help students build their professional networks, potentially leading to future career opportunities.

What does getting a fellowship mean?

Fellowships are financial awards designed to help high-achieving students continue their education. They are similar to scholarships. However, the term is sometimes reserved for funding awarded to a student finished with their program but pursuing additional training.

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