If you are interested in attending college but not sure you have the money to pay for tuition, financial aid is available for those who qualify. There are many advantages to applying for financial aid. One detail to remember is that the FAFSA form must be completed to apply for most federal, state, and local scholarships, grants, and loans. Later in the article, we will review the deadline for applying for financial aid. For now, let’s look at the advantages of applying.

What are the Advantages of Financial Aid?

Financial aid offers many advantages that can significantly impact your ability to attend CyberTex. These benefits extend beyond covering immediate costs and can provide long-term opportunities for academic and career success. Here’s a look at the advantages of financial aid:

Can Help Make Education Affordable

We all know that education can be costly, but attending CyberTex can be an investment in your future. Many employers are looking for highly trained professionals to fill current job opportunities. Financial aid can make your education more affordable by helping cover tuition fees and assisting with costs like textbooks, housing, meal plans, transportation, and technology.

Reduces Financial Stress

Although loans must be paid back, grants and scholarships don’t, and they can help reduce the need for student loans. When you apply for the FAFSA, you will learn your eligibility for grants and scholarships like the Pell Grant. Also, work-study programs provide an opportunity to earn money while studying, decreasing the financial burden.

Keeps Your Focus on Your Studies

With financial aid, you can spend more time on your studies and extracurricular activities instead of juggling multiple jobs to pay for college.

Encourages Completion of Education

Financial aid helps alleviate financial barriers, and increases the likelihood you will complete your degree, leading you to better career prospects and earning potential.

Offers Tax Benefits

Did you know that certain financial aid components, like scholarships for tuition, are tax-free? Plus, families may also qualify for tax credits (e.g., American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit in the U.S.).

By leveraging financial aid effectively, you can focus on your educational and career goals without being overwhelmed by paying to attend college.

When is the FAFSA Application Due?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is needed to secure financial aid to attend CyberTex. For the 2024–2025 academic year, the FAFSA form must be submitted by June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Corrections or updates can be made until September 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the FAFSA form is now available and must be submitted by June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Corrections or updates for this cycle can be made until September 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

State Deadlines

Many states have their own FAFSA deadlines, often earlier than the federal deadline. For example, students in Texas must submit their application by January 15, 2025 for state specific financial aid.

What is a Pell Grant?

The Pell Grant is a need-based financial aid program offered by the U.S. federal government to help eligible low-income students pay for college. Unlike loans, Pell Grants do not need to be repaid.

Eligibility Criteria

Your eligibility for the Pell Grant is based on your financial need. This need is based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), calculated through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. To receive the Pell Grant, you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.

Award Amount

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant award is $7,395. The amount you receive depends on your expected family contribution, the cost of attendance at CyberTex, and your enrollment status (full-time, part-time, or less than half-time).

Usage

Pell Grants can be used to cover tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, and other education-related expenses.

What are Military Educational Benefits?

CyberTex helps active duty, reserves and veterans apply for the GI Bill®. The GI Bill is an education benefits programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help pay for education and training. It provides financial assistance for tuition, housing, and other education-related expenses, to help support those who have served in the military.

The most common military educational benefit programs include:

Post-9/11 GI Bill: For service members who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.

● Covers up to 100% of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges.
● Provides a monthly housing allowance and funds for books and supplies.
● Includes the Yellow Ribbon Program for additional funding at private or out-of-state schools.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB):
● Active Duty (MGIB-AD): For those who have served at least two years of active duty.
● Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR): For members of the Reserve or National Guard.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Offers services to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): For dependents of veterans who have died or are permanently disabled due to a service-related condition.

What are the Advantages of the GI Bill?

The GI Bill offers a wide range of advantages to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. These benefits help ease the financial burden of education and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages:

Monthly Housing Allowance

The GI Bill helps provide a monthly stipend for housing based on the school’s location and the student’s enrollment status. Even those studying remotely may receive a reduced housing allowance.

Transferable Benefits

An active duty and veterans’ spouse and children can access unused benefits, providing financial support for their education.

Career and Professional Growth

The GI Bill helps you build skills to help you transition from the military to civilian life. It also helps fund programs offered at CyberTex, enabling you to qualify for specific careers.

No Repayment Required

The GI Bill provides benefits that don’t need to be repaid, unlike student loans.

Long-Term Eligibility

Veterans typically have up to 15 years after discharge to use their benefits (Post-9/11 GI Bill). For those discharged after January 1, 2013, there’s no expiration date under the “Forever GI Bill.”

Support for Disabled Veterans

The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) offers additional education and training benefits for veterans with service-connected disabilities, helping them transition to civilian careers.

Tax-Free Benefits

The GI Bill is Non-Taxable Aid. The funds received under the GI Bill are not considered taxable income, ensuring you get the full financial benefit.

By leveraging the GI Bill, you and your family can gain access to high-quality education and training at CyberTex, opening doors to rewarding careers and long-term financial security.

Want to Learn More?

CyberTex offers short-term technical training programs in the Information Technology, Medical, Healthcare, and Construction Trades. We are a student-centric institute that equips students with workplace skills for initial employment, paving the way for desired and financially stable careers.

CyberTex’s experienced Financial Aid Coordinators will assist with completing the FAFSA application. Contact us today to learn more about Financial Aid and our CyberTex campuses in Austin and Killeen.