Pay For School With These Free Programs

Paying for school is not something you want to spend time worrying about. It’s a barrier to entry for a lot of people. But, thanks to new and extended programs from the local and federal government, there are a LOT of funds available.

This post explains how you can use these programs to pay for your tuition. The funds are available to everyone, and you won’t have to pay anything back, but they won’t be available forever. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to bring your cost of education down.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II And III

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 created the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The fund provides financial support to postsecondary students who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is an application and approval process, but these funds are very easy to access and are being overlooked by many who qualify.

The individual grants are explained below, along with instructions on how to apply and receive your grant money.

CRRSAA: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II)

As part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act 2021, financial aid grants are available to any students who are attending NTI. These funds can be used for any part of the student’s cost of attendance, or for costs that may arise due to the Coronavirus. That includes:

Tuition;
Lost wages;
Food;
Housing and rent;
Healthcare;
Child care;
Technology costs;

NTI has received the amount of $285,105 to disperse to students who apply for the funds.

How To Apply For HEERF II Funds

Applying is easy, can be done online, and only takes a few minutes. To begin the application process and receive your grant funds as soon as possible, complete the application form.

ARP: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III)

As part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), financial aid grants are available to any students attending NTI. These funds can be used for any part of the student’s cost of attendance. NTI has received the amount of $170,451 to disperse to students who apply for the funds.

How To Apply For HEERF III Funds

To receive grant funds from this newer program, students must demonstrate their need through their FAFSA. The funds will be automatically dispersed to students accounts instead of to the student directly.

FAFSA School Code For NTI: 041851

Maine State Education Grant

Every year, the State of Maine awards education grant money to approximately 12,500 students attending postsecondary schools. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state is extending and increasing this grant program. Below is a summary of the changes being implemented to the program.

Filing Deadline Extension

The filing deadline for students has been extended. This is due to the continued uncertainty from the pandemic and below average numbers of students applying for the grant. Students who are interested in the funds should complete their 2021-2022 FAFSA as soon as possible.

Award Amount Increased

As a result of a $10 million funding increase from the Maine State Legislature, the awards have been increased for both full and part-time students. Full-time student awards have been increased from $1,500 to $2,500. And part-time student awards have been increased from $750 to $1,250.

How To Apply For The Grant Money

To be considered for the grant money, students must complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA and meet certain criteria.

Criteria to be eligible:

Be a Maine resident.
Have a FAFSA Estimated Financial Contribution (EFC) of $7,000.
Must meet hour requirements:
- 320 hours at full-time from July 1st, 2021 – December 31st, 2021
- 160 hours at part-time status from July 1st, 2021 – December 31st, 2021.

If you haven’t completed your FAFSA yet, do so immediately. The FAFSA is free and available to everyone. It’s quick, easy, and is the first step to paying for your education.

FAFSA School Code For NTI: 041851

Conclusion

To summarize, there is a lot of money available to Maine postsecondary students. But, these funds won’t be around forever. Don’t leave money sitting on the table! Thousands of dollars in financial aid is left untouched each year because no one applies for it. Don’t miss out.

If you have any questions about grant money or paying for school, contact NTI directly or visit our Office of Financial Aid webpage.

You can also email the Financial Aid Office anytime at finaid@ntinnow.edu