Our preoccupation will be enumerating the number of trade schools that accept FAFSA for the efficiency of financial aid or grant. We will also take you through the pros and cons on how to get financial aid for trade schools wherever you are.
Concept of Trade School
Trade school is a type of educational institution, which, depending on the country, may refer to either secondary or post-secondary education designed to provide vocational education or technical skills required to complete the tasks of a particular and specific job.
Students attend a trade school program to learn the skills needed for their chosen career path, such as welding, business administration, or computer repair. Even though trade schools are well known for being much cheaper than 4-year universities, and normally shorter as well, there is still a cost that can be daunting to people trying to balance work and the idea of going to school.
Trade school students don’t need to take classes outside of their field of study. A student learning to become a plumber, for instance, enrolls only in courses related to the installation, maintenance, extension and alteration of a plumbing system.
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Hands-On Learning
The skilled trades require extensive hands-on training. You might learn some history and theory related to your field of interest, but for the most part, your instructors will put you to work.
Expect to participate in hands-on learning and labs during your trade school program. Learners studying to become mechanics, for example, learn the ins and outs of vehicle brake systems by using real equipment they’d find in an auto garage. Cosmetology students learn to cut and style hair, use modern nail technologies and apply facials—all with in-person training.
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Required Materials List
Certain trade school programs require students to provide their own tools in preparation for their classes. Required materials vary by program. Learners studying to become mechanics, for example, might be asked to provide their own power tools to repair vehicles.
The cost of required materials may vary as well. Plumbing students can expect to spend around $2,000 on books and materials, which may include rulers, protractors, wrenches and pipe glue. Cosmetology students might spend up to $3,000 on supplies such as mannequins, hair styling products and nail kits. Dental hygienists in training might be asked to bring their own uniforms.
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Preparation for Licensure
Before applying to a trade school program, check your prospective school’s accreditation status. Accredited degrees are more likely to meet professional licensure and certification requirements.
The goal of most vocational programs is licensure. Students work to become accredited or licensed in their respective fields of study.
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Structure
In a four-year college, students generally follow a relatively inconsistent schedule. They might attend club meetings, take study breaks or head to the dorms to nap between classes. What’s more, college students typically don’t follow the same routine every day.
In a trade school, however, you can expect to follow a more rigid schedule. You might be in school every day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. without much additional time for other activities. That’s because trade programs aim to maximize students’ time in school. In most cases, students can complete their trade program in two years, versus the college student’s typical four.
Getting Financial Aid for Trade School
Obtaining a grant from a federal student aid program like FAFSA can be extremely helpful, and the FAFSA can be applied to trade schools. However, not all schools participate in federal student aid programs.
We know a good education is important. We also understand the vital role financial aid plays in securing a good education. Here at PCI, we believe in the possibility of higher education for everyone. We work hard to help our students obtain the financial aid they may qualify for.
If you’ve been looking for on-campus and online trade schools with financial aid opportunities, you found it. Please visit with our financial aid staff to discover your personalized options. Together let’s make PCI your school. PCI participates in Title IV funding through the Department of Education and administers the following programs:
- Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Direct Stafford and PLUS Loan programs
It is possible to get financial assistance like a Pell Grant for trade school educations. For more information, we recommend you visit the Department of Education’s Student Aid website which gives you comprehensive details about federal student aid programs: www.studentaid.ed.gov
To apply for financial aid, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is the basis of determining your eligibility for Title IV funding. To complete your FAFSA, please go to: www.fafsa.ed.gov.
After the completion of your FASFA, our financial aid department will meet and discuss your financial aid package to help you understand how you will fund your education. If your personal circumstances have changed since the tax year you are using for your FASFA, please inform your financial aid advisor.
We can look at special or unusual circumstances and see if a professional judgement would be warranted and benefit you. An example would be a change of income since you filed taxes, loss of benefits, death of a parent, etc. Any forms that need to be completed will be handled within the student portal online, making it easy for you.
If you find you are not eligible for federal financial aid, don’t lose hope. There may be other options including non-federal aid from state and private institutions. You can also find scholarships based on your academics, ethnicity, and/or military service.
List of Trade Schools That Accept FAFSA
1. Cuyahoga Community College
2. Rio Salado College
3. Ivy Tech Community College
4. Valencia College
Central Texas College
6. Des Moines Area Community College
7. Central New Mexico Community College
8. Metropolitan Community College
9. Columbus State Community College
10. Amarillo College
11. Broward College
12. Northern Virginia Community College
13. Austin Community College
