The United States Government has recently authorized an expansion of Pell Grants and College Tax Credits as part of the government's agenda for college affordability. The strategy is to improve access to higher education for more people and to make it more affordable for potential students. Resources are available online to help like the course advisor website. Here potential students can learn more about detailed breakdowns of every type of education aid now available.

The Recovery Act increased Pell Grants by $500 to $5,350 for 2009-2010 and created the American Opportunity Tax Credit, a new $2,500 tax credit for four years of college tuition. The President's 2010 budget proposal would make these policies permanent and ensure that the Pell Grant Program continues to grow steadily by making it an entitlement. Together, they provide approximately $200 billion in college scholarships and tax credits over the next decade.

The colleges, universities, and career schools which are listed in the course advisor database so that you can get connected with:
Federal student loans;
Scholarships and grants;
Employer based financial aid;
Tuition reimbursement programs;
Direct payment through third party billing;
FAFSA applications.

This is a great resource to give you a good start as you research your financial aid option, programs for studying and tools to get your plans documented and submitted for review. Once your application for financial aid is completed (FAFSA), you will know more about your prospects to obtain financial aid and how much will be paid. Keep in mind the big difference that a Grant
can make. You will not graduate with a loan bill hanging over your head as you would with a student loan. That is what make qualifying for a Grant very appealing for many prospective students who are keeping tabs on the jobs picture for college graduates in our current economic environment.

It just makes sense to minimize the risk of running up a big debt for college education if you don't have to. Many of us just do not have the luxury of having college funding provided for us by magnanimous grand parents or a rich Uncle Joe who left money to us for college and education purposes. So, we are on our own. It is only logical to see what the extent of the resources are that Uncle Sam is willing to contribute to our further education, attaining a degree and graduating with a contribution to make to society.