You may be able to get financial aid for trade school or community college through FAFSA-based aid, grants, scholarships or GI Bill benefits. Eligibility depends on your school, program and financial need.
Learning Center / Student & Careers / Financial Aid for Trade School or Community College
Can You Get Financial Aid for Trade School or Community College?
Key takeaways
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Trade schools and community colleges offer shorter, lower-cost paths to job-ready skills.
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Financial aid may be available through FAFSA, including federal and state grants that typically don't require repayment.
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Scholarships may further reduce costs and can come from schools, community groups or professional organizations.
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Eligible service members and veterans may use GI Bill benefits for approved programs.
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Private student loans may help cover remaining costs but must be repaid with interest.
Trade schools, vocational programs and community colleges can be practical options for students who want job-ready skills or career training. Many programs can be completed in less time than four-year degrees, which may help you enter the workforce sooner and lower your overall education costs.
The following are several financial aid options to consider for trade schools and community colleges. You may be able to use one or more sources to fund your education and achieve your career goals.
How to Use the FAFSA for Trade School or Community College?
It’s important to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) well in advance of your first day, regardless of the type of school you plan on attending.
Many schools use the information from this form to award financial aid packages that can reduce the cost of attending. It’s also used to award government grants, like the Pell Grant.
What grants are available for trade school or community college?
Grants offered by federal and state governments are available for both community colleges and trade schools. Unlike loans which must be repaid, many grants do not have to be repaid. The following are three common grants.
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Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a need-based grant that is awarded by the federal government. It can be used for tuition, books, fees, supplies, and other educational needs. The Pell Grant is commonly accepted by community colleges and can also be used at trade schools that participate in the federal financial aid program. -
Workforce Development Grant
Workforce development grants are awarded by states, the federal government, and private organizations. They pay for training in certain careers where there is a critical shortage. -
Community College Grants
Although community colleges are already low cost, some states offer tuition grants, waivers, and scholarships for their community colleges or offer reduced tuition for their residents. Check your state government's website for more information.
Can you use GI Bill benefits for trade school or community college?
The GI Bill is a benefit that is available to service members to help them pay tuition for accredited educational programs.
It is not just for full-time military personnel. Select National Guard and Reserve members are also eligible. Many people use the educational benefits from their part-time military jobs to fund their educations.
If you are considering this as an option to pay for school, a recruiter can provide you with information on the current benefit and how to qualify.
How do scholarships work for trade school or community college?
Scholarship money is another type of financial aid you may be able to use in either a community college or trade school program. Many scholarships do not have to be repaid.
Scholarships are typically awarded to students who have earned good grades, have high test scores, or both. If you qualify for a scholarship, you may be required to maintain a certain grade point average, be involved in a professional organization, or something else.
The best place to start your search for scholarships is with the trade school you will be attending or the department of the community college you will be studying in. They will be able to direct you to scholarships that are specific to your field of study. High school counselors and college financial aid officers are also potentially good resources.
When should you consider private student loans for trade school or community college?
If you need additional money to fund your education after grants, scholarships, and other sources, the remainder can come from private student loans, which do have to be repaid.
Most student loans don’t require you to start making payments on the money you borrowed until six months after you graduate. This grace period gives you time to find work and start earning money in your new profession.
FAQs
Yes. Many accredited trade schools participate in federal financial aid programs, so you may be eligible for FAFSA-based aid, grants, scholarships or student loans.
Yes. Community colleges use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal, state and school-based aid, including grants, work-study and student loans.
Grants and scholarships generally do not have to be repaid if you meet the requirements. They may come from federal or state programs, schools, community groups or professional organizations.
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