Scholarships may benefit minorities, disabled students in online degree programs

Scholarships may benefit minorities, disabled students in online degree programs

Individuals who wish to further their education at classroom-based or online universities in order to earn higher salaries may seek financial aid options, such as those currently available through USA Funds.

The education loan guarantor has opened the application process for its USA Funds Access to Education Scholarship program, which is intended to benefit students from low- to moderate-income households.

A total of $1 million in scholarships will be distributed to college students of all ages, and approximately 50 percent of the funds will be given to degree candidates who are physically disabled or have diverse backgrounds.

To be eligible, applicants must be planning to enroll in any accredited vocational, associates, bachelors or masters program in the fall semester of next year. Entrants must also show evidence of an annual income of $35,000 or less.

The organization aims to "enhance postsecondary education preparedness, access and success" through the scholarships, which are "designed to help increase the college-going rates of low- to moderate-income students," said Robert C. Ballard, senior vice president of program and corporate development for USA Funds.

Students who require financial assistance to help them pay for college may want to consider enrolling in online colleges, which can help them balance their coursework and a busy work schedule.