Number of No-Loan Educational Institutions in the U.S. is on the Rise

Several universities and colleges are going loan-free by offering only generous financial aid packages to needy students to avoid entanglement in student loans. No-loan schools are encouraging students from modest or low-income family to apply for admission in their institutions as acceptance would mean they do not have to worry about payment of expensive school fees.

According to COO of Scholarships.com Kevin Ladd, the likeliest students who will be considered by no-loans schools are those who meet the grade and extracurricular activity requirements of the educational institutions.

How Do No-Loan College or University Offers Work?

It is important to note however, that attending these colleges does not necessarily mean zero expenses. Generally, no-loan colleges aim to cover a low or middle income family’s demonstrated financial need. The amount of financial need represents the gap between the amount that a family can afford to pay as contribution and the actual costs of their child’s higher education.

No-loan institutions completely remove student loans from financial aid packages offered to eligible students and will include only available scholarships, grants, work-study aid, and other similar components.

That is why before a college or university offers financial aid to a qualified student, the institution must first review the family information submitted by a student via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If the information in the FAFSA application is insufficient, no-loan colleges or universities can also review the College Board’s CSS Profile, another financial aid application portal being run by 300 universities, colleges, and scholarship organizations.

Examples of educational institutions with no-loan financial aid policies are the University of Chicago in Illinois and the Pomona College in California.

According to an annual survey, the recent college graduates of 2020 have to pay total student loans that on the average, amounted to almost $30,000. Due to worries of crippling debt, a lot of incoming college students are not too keen on enrolling in higher education due to college affordability issues.

Retirement Investment: Financial Aid For Seniors

Many retirees are going through financial dilemmas. Despite their pension, it seems hardly enough to meet immediate financial needs. That’s why retirement investment has always been an important matter especially for those nearing the retirement age. And it’s also nice to know that there are many ways to avoid financial bottlenecks, especially for seniors.

Basic security should ensure that older people have enough money for their livelihood without having to rely on social assistance. The money from the state treasury increases the pension. On request, the authorities will calculate who receives how much.

In the absence of retirement investment – The so-called basic need

Costs for rent, heating, health and long-term care insurance, clothing, and food are included in the calculation of the so-called basic requirement. The guide “Basic security – your good rights” gives an example: The social welfare office determines a basic security requirement of 720 euros for a senior citizen. But she only has a pension of 500 euros. After deducting various social contributions, the pensioner is entitled to a basic security benefit of 274 euros. She also has this amount in her wallet every month. In individual cases, the basic security also applies to debts.

In general, it is worthwhile for seniors to inquire about discounts all year round in order to spend less. Savings can be made on the phone, for example. According to the social associations, providers such as Telekom grant cheaper tariffs, the so-called social tariff. Radio and television fees are waived under certain conditions. In most cases, proof of the receipt of basic security or traditional social assistance is required.

Read also: Hardship Loan Modification : A Financial Solution Available to Victims of Natural Disasters

There are discounts almost everywhere

In addition, it is worth asking around on your own doorstep. Savings opportunities in many municipalities are widely spread, regionally very different, and often locally limited. So it is important to always ask when you visit a facility. Almost everywhere there are discounts for visiting museums, theaters, libraries or swimming pools. In some places, the retail sector is also involved so that you can shop with huge discounts considering your situation.

In addition to cultural and social savings offers, municipalities support their elderly citizens with special conditions on buses and trains to stay mobile. People aged 60 and over can travel around the city for less with a special monthly pass in public transportations like busses and trains.

The conditions attached to them are as varied as the discounts. Sometimes the age counts, sometimes the receipt of social benefits, sometimes a disability. If you want to benefit, you usually have to take action yourself and ask. There are central contact points in many municipalities. They are called the Senior Citizens Office or Office for Elderly Welfare and provide information about offers, advice and, if necessary, provide help.

The right to go to the social welfare office

If the social welfare office is the point of contact, this is no reason not to go. Especially when it comes to finances, it should be the first address. Seeking social welfare assistance is not bad, it’s a right. Especially since there and at the other places there are practical advice and information on possible support from private sources, for example from churches and charitable organizations. The churches in particular often have pots for people who need special support. For example, money for a winter coat. Or if there is no cash, the possibility of finding something suitable in a closet.