Scholarship applications for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate are now being accepted for the Fall 2009 academic year. NASA plans to award as many as 20 undergraduate and 5 graduate scholarships to students whose studies include aeronautics or related fields. Applications will be accepted through January 16, 2009.

As Much As $35,000 To Be Awarded

For current undergraduate students in their second year of study, they will receive up to $15,000 per year for two years along with a summer internship featuring a $10,000 stipend at a NASA center. Graduate students will receive up to $35,000 per year for three years and be the recipient of two summer internships at a NASA center with $10,000 stipends. NASA says that scholarship money can be used for tuition and other school-related expenses.

For those students who have not yet committed to a specific academic institution or program, they may still apply. However, if NASA accepts their application, they must be admitted by fall 2009 into a qualified aeronautical engineering program or related field of study at an accredited university in the U.S. All applicants must be U.S. citizens.

NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate works to enhance the state of aeronautics for the nation, transform the U.S. air transportation system, and develop the knowledge, tools and technologies to support future air and space vehicles. The directorate’s focus is on cutting-edge, fundamental research in traditional aeronautical disciplines, as well as emerging fields with promising applications to aeronautics.

For specific details about this scholarship program and how to apply, visit: http://www.asee.org/nasaasp. NASA is currently marking its 50th anniversary.

For more information about NASA aeronautics programs, visit: http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/.

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/.

Source: NASA

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Adv. — Is your family experiencing a financial shortfall this academic year? Scholarships, grants, 529 money, and part time work may not be enough. Learn about private student loans by visiting SayStudent.com, your portal for college financial assistance. We have free tools for your download and updated information about current college financing requirements.

Tags: aeronautics, college scholarship, graduate, NASA, space program, undergraduate

College costs are increasing at a speed that is just over twice the rate of inflation, meaning that annual tuition costs are rising at about 8-10% per year. For the current college student, these increases are a tough pill to swallow, but for future students paying for college can seem downright daunting.

Thankfully, current and prospective college students have some options available to them, choices
which can help defray at least some of the costs of higher education. Besides a 529 college savings plan, the following eight student financing options are available to everyone:

First Things First — Prior to applying for financial aid, students should fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and submit it to the federal government. The information you provide on that form will help the government create an SAR (Student Aid Report) which will be sent to your college with a copy sent to the student’s family.

Based on the SAR, your college will create a financial award letter that lists the amount of aid you will receive from the school. Once that amount is known, then you’ll know the exact amount of monies that you will need to raise on your own.

College Scholarships — With billions of dollars of scholarship money awarded each year, students have an excellent way to find free money to pay for their education. Tens of thousands of different scholarships are available each year, with every scholarship having their own eligibility requirements. You can apply for as many scholarships that you are eligible for.

Check Out Financial Aid Charts – After you receive your SAR, will you know the exact amount of money that you will need for school? Likely, you’ll have a ballpark figure, but to sharpen your answer you need to access certain financial tools to find that out.

Consider Stafford Loans — Government student loans are now called Federal Stafford Student Loans, which can be a terrific way for you to fund your schooling. Eligibility requirements are rather strict, so don’t rely on this method of financing only.

PLUS Loans– These are government backed loans that cover up to 100% of a dependent child’s educational costs, minus awarded financial aid.

Private Student Loans — Families can borrow as much as $45,000 annually via a private student loan. They’re easier to get than Stafford Loans, but interest rates are somewhat higher.

Consider Other Aid Options — Federal Pell Grants, home equity loans, college savings accounts, borrowing retirement money, military service funding, tax abatements, work-study programs, and loan forgiveness options are all worth taking a look at.

Maintaining A Budget - Once your adult student has started school, keeping track of the money is critical in order to avoid running out of funds before the academic year comes to an end. Stick to a budget and you’ll make sure that there is enough funding available to see you through the year.

No doubt, college costs will continue to rise, but with excellent planning on your part, you can limit the sting of paying for higher education and limit your debt obligations.

Tags: College Financial Aid, college scholarship, Student Loans