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Financial Aid 101

Content Updated 10/25/2023

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At United Career Institute, we help each student through the entire process, from the first time you request information to your virtual campus visit, setting up a personalized financial plan, signing up for classes, and even throughout your time as a student. 

Want to learn more about the financial aid process and how you can determine your eligibility? If so, continue reading for your lesson in Financial Aid 101!

The Financial Aid Process

Filing your financial aid on your own can be complicated and confusing. With so many different options available, how do you know what works best for you? Lucky for you, United Career Institute’s financial aid team members are here to help walk you through every step of the process.

“Financial aid is very complex, and there is a lot of detail. If a student has no idea what kind of student aid they qualify for, that is completely fine,” said Parker Rhoads, Financial Aid Team Member. “We will walk each student from point A to point Z.”

Once you have completed your campus visit, you will then meet with a financial aid team member for your financial aid appointment. During this meeting, our team will assist you in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is required to determine your eligibility for federal aid, loans, grants, and work-study programs. 

“Our goal is to get our students graduated with as little debt as possible,” said Parker. “We understand that many of our students have been to college before, especially in a university setting, and it didn’t work out, so keeping their debt low is extremely important.”

Because our objective is to make school affordable for our students, we will work with each student to create a personalized financial plan that breaks down exactly how they will pay for school. This can help you to feel comfortable about attending United Career Institute and starting your path to your new career!

Our financial aid team members will help you find the plan that best fits your needs; then, you will sign your financial aid documents and be ready to begin your healthcare career training. 

Types of Financial Aid*

Throughout the financial aid process, you will learn that there are many different ways to finance your education. The following are some of the most common types of aid that students can be eligible to receive:

  • Federal Pell Grants: This is grant money from the federal government that you do not have to pay back.
  • State Grants: Some states have grant money available that students do not have to pay back.
  • Grants/Scholarships**: These include both institutional grants offered by United Career Institute and scholarships from other sources. We highly encourage students to research and apply for scholarships to help finance their education.
  • Student Loans: These are loans from the federal government or third-party providers that students can take out to pay for their education. While making payments on these loans is not required while in school, we encourage students to start paying them early to reduce the amount of debt they may graduate with.
  • PLUS Loans: These are loans that a parent can take out to pay for their child’s education. The parent must meet specific qualifications for this type of loan.
  • GI Bill®^: This option helps U.S. military veterans pay for their education.
  • Employer Tuition Reimbursement: This option benefits students whose employer offers tuition assistance to help pay for the employee’s education.
  • Cash Payments: This plan allows students to make payments directly to the institution rather than taking out loans.
  • 529 Plan: This special savings account is used solely for educational purposes that parents can open and contribute to for their child.

As you can see, there are many options when it comes to financing your education. Your financial aid team member will help you determine the types of financial aid you qualify for during your financial aid appointment.

The United Career Institute Experience

By choosing United Career Institute for your education, you choose a school that cares! “We provide our students a premium educational experience with face-to-face and personal interaction,” said Parker. 

Our career-focused healthcare training programs and supportive learning environment will help you begin your career with the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed! Speak to one of our admissions team members to get started today by calling 866-UCIONLINE or Requesting Information!

*For those who qualify.

**For those who qualify. See catalog for detailed eligibility requirements.

^GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.