Is financial assistance available for students in Continuing Education programs?
Financial Aid used for academic credit or degree-based programs cannot be applied to our Continuing Education noncredit programs. However, there are a variety of sources you can pursue to obtain other types of assistance. Check with your employer and see if they offer a Continuing Education fund or tuition reimbursement program. Several of our certificate programs offer staggered payment plans (please see the individual program pages for details). Many banks will also provide personal loans for Continuing Education courses. The following is a list of some, but not all loan providers as well as additional funding programs for which you may be qualified. Please contact the specific agencies to determine your eligibility or inquire about details.
Disclaimer: The information provided below was accurate at the time of posting, but please check with the individual entities for the most current information applicable to your circumstances.
Section 1: Non-Loan Programs
1. Montgomery G.I. Bill
The Education Service administers a variety of benefit programs for military personnel. Please call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor or visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm.
Our currently approved courses for the GI Bill: Certified Financial Planner, Paralegal.
These certificate programs are VA approved by the North Carolina State Approving Agency. Prospective applicants pursuing VA benefits must follow normal registration procedures and payment options in order to be officially registered for these programs. Qualified applicants should notify the Registration Center (ceregistration@uncc.edu or 704-687-8900) of their intentions at the time of registration. Application for reimbursement under VA Benefits should be made to UNC Charlotte's Veteran Services Office at 704-687-3660 or veteranservice@uncc.edu.
2. Military Certification
Most active duty United States military members are eligible to receive tuition assistance for at least one certification course during their career. Note: Approval of U.S. military tuition assistance is contingent on approval from your local command and/or your education counselor. Payments for larger clock hour courses exceeding 350 or more usually have to be funded quarterly by your education office. Please contact your local command or education counselor to inquire about details and eligibility.
3. WIA Adults and Dislocated Workers Program
The Adults and Dislocated Workers Program, under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, is designed to provide quality employment and training services to assist eligible individuals in finding and qualifying for meaningful employment, and to help employers find the skilled workers they need to compete and succeed in business. Services are provided through One-Stop Career Centers. Training services are available to those who have been unable to find employment through intensive services. Customers are linked to job opportunities in their communities, including both occupational training and training in basic skills. Participants use an "individual training account" to select an appropriate training program from a qualified training provider.
An orientation is required to find out if you qualify. In the Charlotte area, please visit http://www.joblinkcenter.org/locations.htm to contact the center nearest you.
4. AmeriCorps
Educational awards for AmeriCorps volunteers can be used for educational expenses for non-degree courses, such as Continuing Education courses offered by qualified schools. Speak with your National Service Trust Representative for application details or visit the AmeriCorps website: http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/benefits/benefits_ed_award_faq.asp
Section 2: Lenders
There are many banks and other financial institutions that offer Continuing Education loans to individuals. UNC Charlotte’s Office of Continuing Education is happy to complete the appropriate paperwork that might be involved in a participant’s pursuit of a loan from a lender he or she has identified. Typically, such paperwork will require UNC Charlotte to provide details about the program and to certify that a particular participant is eligible to enroll. In order for us to certify your eligibility, you will need to register for the program and submit the required payment with your registration.
UNC Charlotte is prepared to receive disbursement(s) directly from a lender for the full registration fee, if that is the arrangement a lender makes with a participant; when this occurs, UNC Charlotte will refund to the participant any payments the participant made directly to UNC Charlotte.
The following list of lenders is not a comprehensive list, but simply a starting-point resource for you as you explore financial assistance options. Please note that UNC Charlotte’s Office of Continuing Education does not endorse any of the following providers. Please contact the specific institutions to determine your eligibility or to request further details.
1. SLM Financial (SallieMae)
The Career Training Loan Program provides a low-interest option for eligible students to finance their education, including any type of Continuing Education. The loan may be used to cover the total cost of education as well as certain other related expenses. Loans are available from $1,000 and up. Additional information may be obtained by calling SLM Financial at 1-877-834-9853 or by visiting the SLM website: http://www.salliemae.com/get_student_loan/find_student_loan/training_loans/
continuing_ed/continuing_ed.htm
2. TERI
TERI (The Education Resources Institute, Inc.) is a consortium of lenders offering various student loan programs, including loans for non-degree and certificate programs. For more information on TERI Continuing Education loans, including eligibility and lending partners, go to:
http://www.teri.org/loan-center/loan-programs/continuing-ed/continuing-ed.asp
3. Wachovia Continuing Education Loan
If you are enrolled less than half time in a degree program or any number of hours in a certificate or technical training program, the Continuing Education Loan can help you cover your education costs. Learn more at http://www.wachovia.com/personal/page/0,,325_496_8295_8335,00.html or call 1-800-255-8374.
4. Loan to Learn
Loan to Learn® Continuing Education Loans are designed for students returning to school to complete a degree, re-careering, or simply taking courses for personal enrichment. Loan to Learn provides funding to cover tuition and all education-related expenses. Visit http://www.loantolearn.com/Education-Loans/Continuing-Ed-loan.aspx#1 for more information.
5. Chase Continuing Education loans
Chase Continuing Education loans are available to part-time students who attend participating schools nationwide regardless of the type of school or program whether you're earning a degree, a certificate or taking a few classes to further your career. Visit http://www.collegeloansite.com/chase-student-loans/non-traditional-students.aspx or call 1-800-487-4404 for more details.
704-687-8900 or send us an email.
The Office of Continuing Education is a part of
Continuing Education, Extension & Summer Programs
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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The Office of Continuing Education