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Minority' according to Webster's dictionary is a part of the population differing from others in certain characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment. This includes low income married and single parents and their children regardless of race or religious background. If you dont believe low income people are treated differently then go through a check out line at the grocery store with an EBT card or try to find a doctor that accepts Medicaid. Fortunately the Pell Grant is extended to this group as well.

The Pell Grant is a grant that does not have to be paid back. The Pell Grant is a great tool when wanting to achieve an undergraduate or a four year graduate at your local community and state colleges. The down side of the grant is that most of your big name online colleges do not accept the grant, i.e. Penn Foster University and others. Some accelerated colleges as in Kaplan U. or Phoenix U. online may accept the grant but their tuition is high and needs to be supplemented with an additional student loan. The loans are usually expected to start being paid back starting 6 months after graduation. Be sure to read the fine print as some loans do have finance charges. For some low income single parents this may sound unsavory as it does create another debt but these colleges do promise some help with employment placement as will your community college.

Your local community college offers many degree programs that will help achieve your goals in finding a better paying job and do offer online programs as well that are usually fully covered by the Pell Grant including books. You will be able to use the Grant for the duration of your undergraduate and possibly four year graduate as long as you meet the Pell Grants financial requirements. To apply for the Grant or to get more information you can go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Along with the Grant there are many scholarships and other financial aid available, many which can be found at www.finaid.org and www.fastweb.org. These provide a variety of resources with detailed information. Scholarships do not have to be paid back either but you do need to apply early and also qualify and be selected to receive them. It is always best to speak to the financial aid office at any college you are thinking of attending. They are very good about helping you reach your educational goals and are trained to know all of the financial options available.

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