Grants and scholarships can be used for expenses related to education. These may include tuition, fees, books, child care and transportation. Funds can be used for online courses at accredited schools.
Alabama is among the states that offer assistance to older adults, providing tuition assistance to students over age 60 who attend two-year schools. The federal government offers the Pell Grant to low-income students regardless of age, and private funds include the Janette Rankin Women's Scholarship for women over age 35.
Federal and state education departments use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine eligibility for the grants and scholarships they offer. Private grant opportunities have separate application procedures.
The requirements for some private grants may vary based on your specific situation. Special considerations or exemptions may be given if you are married, have children or are returning to school after a long absence.
Many grant and scholarship opportunities, especially those offered from federal and state governments, use the information from your income tax return to determine whether you demonstrate financial need. Individual schools may ask for verification of income.