Learn how to get financial aid for massage therapist school programs including grants like the FAFSA and Pell Grant, private student loans, and merit scholarships. There are even some scholarships just for massage therapy students.
Where To Start When Applying
You have to start off by applying for the FAFSA. This can be done online or from the post office. The FAFSA takes time to complete, but your massage school’s financial adviser can help. All grants and scholarships you apply for are based on your FAFSA form, so start this process first.
Different Types Of Financial Aid
Many massage therapy colleges and medical massage trade schools have their own funds that you can apply for, whether it’s in loan, grant, or scholarship form. There are also state government and federal government sources, as well.
Grants
Grants are the most desirable to many massage therapy students because they don’t need to be repaid. Two of the best options are the Free Application For Federal School Aid (FAFSA linked above) and the Pell Grant.
Private Loans
Student loans help cover the cost of massage school, but they must be repaid over a set time frame and normally have a high interest rate.
Popular loan programs include:
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
Sallie Mae Career Training Smart Option Loan
These loan types usually have lower than the market interest rates, so the payback isn’t as costly. They do not reduce the total cost of training; they simply help with immediate student expenses.
Scholarships
Merit scholarships come directly from the massage school you apply to, and you must apply for them. The scholarships are awarded based on criteria set by the school. Talk to your school’s financial aid adviser for up-to-date information.
There are scholarships just for medical and massage therapy school including a $2,500 American Massage Therapy Association AMTA scholarship. And also the $1,000 Imagine America scholarships for high school seniors interested in massage therapy.
Find a massage therapy school near you and get course and financial aid information from the school you choose.
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