Can I Get Scholarships If I Took a Break from School?

Most people ask this question” Can I Get Scholarships If I Took a Break from School?” The Covid-19 pandemic has made us all reevaluate what normal looks like, from businesses to people. For many college students, that entails deviating temporarily from their chosen course of study.

But even though taking a break can occasionally be the right decision, doing so is typically more complicated than simply pausing. A gap year can present unexpected difficulties in completing a degree if it is not carefully managed.

What exactly could happen if you take a break from school, and how can that be prevented? Below are the solutions you require.

What to Consider Before Taking a Break from College:

If you’re already enrolled, taking a break from school can have unforeseen consequences. Here’s what you should consider first.

Federal Student Loan Grace Period

The cost of attending college could range from $18,000 to almost $50,000 per year, depending on your financial aid package. When financial aid is generous at schools with a higher cost of attendance (COA), the net price—the amount you pay after financial aid—is often lower. The number of scholarships and grants that can be awarded to incoming students depends entirely on the endowment size of your institution.

Your family’s income and whether you are regarded as a dependent or independent student more info button are the two main considerations your school will use to determine your financial aid package.
The Covid-19 pandemic has made us all reevaluate what normal looks like, from businesses to people. For many college students, that entails deviating temporarily from their chosen course of study.

But even though taking a break can occasionally be the right decision, doing so is typically more complicated than simply pausing. A gap year can present unexpected difficulties in completing a degree if it is not carefully managed.

What exactly could happen if you take a break from school, and how can that be prevented? Below are the solutions you require.

Work-Study Eligibility

Because work-study is determined based on your need, it may not be available when you return from a break. These positions also generally are distributed to students on a first-come, first-served basis. If you return in the spring semester, your work-study job may have gone to someone else.

Potential Repayment of Grants

If you received a federal grant, like the Pell Grant, and left school before the academic year was over, Kantrowitz says you may have to repay part of that grant.2

Your school will make it clear if you have to repay the grant. If you do, you’ll either have to repay it in full within 45 days or get on a payment plan. The specific terms of the payment plan will depend on your college financial aid department.

It’s crucial to handle this process carefully because failing to repay could render you ineligible for further federal financial aid—including federal student loans.

Private Student Loan Repayment

Many private lenders do not offer a grace period before payments are due. If you leave school, you may be required to start making payments on your private loans. You can apply for a deferment or forbearance, but these are limited.

Also, interest for private loans usually accrues while you’re in school. The longer you’re in school or deferring your loans, the more interest that accrues. The accrued interest is often capitalized, meaning it gets added to the principal. This will increase your future monthly payments and result in more interest charged overall.

Contact your private lender and ask about the options for a borrower taking a gap year. Find out what the forbearance limit is and if you’ll be eligible to pause your payments during the gap year.

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