College is expensive, and these days, most students need some financial assistance to afford their education. Luckily, help is readily available.
Federal Loans and Grants
Your first stop on your college funding journey should be the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as “FAFSA.” This federal program is the country’s largest provider of student financial aid, issuing more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 15 million students.
Whether you end up seeking aid through the program or not, it’s a good idea to get your application in so you can streamline the process if/when you need to take advantage of the program. Funds are granted based on a host of factors, but the FAFSA website has a “FAFSA4caster” that can help you determine your eligibility.
You can also find help paying for college on Fastweb, which allows you to search for scholarships online and for free, and FinAid!, another free service where you can search for scholarships, loans, military aid, and more.
As a Respiratory Care student, you’ll be able to apply for scholarships through the profession’s philanthropic arm as well. The American Respiratory Care Foundation offers three scholarships for undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care education program, along with another two for current respiratory therapists who hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking an advanced degree.
Undergraduate Awards
- The Morton B. Duggan, Jr. Memorial Education Recognition Award is open to students in any state, with preference given to candidates from Georgia and South Carolina. The scholarship is awarded in an amount of up to $1,000.00.
- Students who receive the Jimmy A. Young Memorial Education Recognition Award will be awarded up to $1,000 in memory of Jimmy A. Young, a past president of the AARC. Preference is given to students of minority origin.
- Up to $7,500 may be awarded through the NBRC William W. Burgin, Jr., MD and Robert M. Lawrence, MD Education Recognition Award, which is open to students in their third or fourth year of an accredited Respiratory Care education program leading to a Baccalaureate degree.
Postgraduate Awards
- The NBRC/AMP Gareth B. Gish, MS, RRT Memorial Postgraduate Education Recognition Award awards up to $5,000 in memory of Gareth B. Gish, MS, RRT to a respiratory therapist pursuing postgraduate education leading to an advanced degree. The award consists of a certificate of recognition, coach airfare, one night’s lodging, and registration for AARC Congress. It may also include a cash award of up to $5,000.
- The William F. Miller, MD Postgraduate Education Recognition Award was established by Dr. Miller to recognize postgraduate achievement in the profession and also carries a monetary award of up to $5,000.
All AARC Education Recognition Awards come with a certificate of recognition and coach airfare, one night’s lodging, and registration for the AARC International Respiratory Convention & Exhibition.