Marriage, they say, is more like a juggling act. On one hand, you have to maintain an intimate relationship with your spouse, while on the other hand, you have to find time for both your children and your career. With this scenario, you can only imagine how starting a family can push your educational dreams aside. However, with hopes of giving your family a better future, isn't a college degree a worthy investment for a more fulfilling career?

Married students may find themselves torn between marriage and college. For so long, people, especially women, are expected to choose only one. But with strong will and determination, modern society now supports taking both endeavors at the same time. However, common problems may rise from the lack of time and money.

You can concentrate on your studies and spend more time with your family through effective time management. But with the lack of college fund, your source of financial solution may only come from private organizations and government agencies that offer scholarship for married students like you.

You may be a full-time student who recently got married or a part of the married couple who's sure to find personal fulfillment in going to college. The good news is, you can find more ways to pursue your dreams through scholarship grants and financial aids.

Scholarships Grants for Married Students

Scholarships, grants, and loans are available for married students who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Access to these are provided by private institutions and public agencies. But for a more organized approach, you can classify the search into three categories: universities and colleges, government institutions, and community foundations.

Inquire at the U.S. Department Education for any current scholarship program intended for married students and adult learners. Federal Pell grants, for instance, offer financial assistance to college students whose pooled resources cannot sustain the need for education. Thus, you have to be a part of the lower-income bracket in order to qualify. Meanwhile, you can also search for alternative scholarships at other state-owned institutions.

Before you proceed with dozens of other applications, search within your community for foundations that support the cause of college education for married students. Other Christian fellowship movements offer additional college funds for their married members, while the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee gives special consideration to married students when applying for scholarships. Apart from these, you may also get in touch with professional organizations and civic groups that hold annual fund-raising campaigns for underprivileged students.

Universities and colleges all over the country also offer scholarship grants for married students. However, you should look for a specific type of program that fully recognizes your special needs. As such, provisions under this type of program may include exemption from staying in campus dorms and spending more time in relative school activities.

Through the David H. Runyon Scholarship at Indiana University East, married students are given a chance to earn their college degrees. Texas A & M University, Ohio State University through the Ed Bacome Scholarship as well as Idaho State University also sponsor their own scholarship grants for married students. Moreover, graduate students are also welcome to apply for financial assistance in other schools.

Scholarship Requirements for Married Students

Applicants for scholarship are asked to submit the following:
1. Letter of request
2. Letter of recommendation
3. Official transcript of records
4. Marriage certificate
5. Proof of income
6. Resume
7. Completed application form

Students should have a grade point average of 3.0, or in other cases, a higher score in order to advance their applications. Eligibility may also include completing certain number of units for junior and senior students, while other granters require students to be a permanent resident of a state or community. Essays and qualifying exams can likewise be parts of the application process.

Things to Consider for College Education

There are a lot of other things to consider before you proceed with your college education. Not only should you have the support of your spouse or your family, but you should also have the commitment to overcome the difficulties of being a student and a full-time partner. In which case, here are some tips on how you can handle both your marriage and your college education:

 Have an estimated cost of over-all expenses including books, transportation, meal allowance, and other educational fees apart from tuition.
 Find out how you can save for your college education by subtracting the bills for electricity, rent, water supply, and other financial obligations such as credit cards and insurance policies from your monthly salary.
 Evaluate your financial capacity for college education with combined household income.
 Determine how much you'll need for financial assistance.
 Assess the needs of your spouse and your children (if you have any) and see how you can achieve harmony between your personal life and your goal as a college student.
 Consider time constraints in deciding whether you'll be a full-time or part-time student, or would prefer e-learning as a better alternative.

Although you can apply for a full-time scholarship, chances are rare for this kind of opportunity. Instead of relying solely on scholarship programs, you may also apply for a part-time job and explore other sources of income.