Learn about Florida’s job market and ways to prepare for a new career.
Grant and Loan Programs
The U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Labor have created a single website, https://studentaid.gov, where you can find helpful information on federal grants and financial aid opportunities.
- Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain post baccalaureate students to promote access to higher education. You can apply online for the Pell Grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form which is located at https://studentaid.gov or by calling 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). If you are hearing-impaired and have questions, contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913. Callers in locations without access to 1-800 numbers may call 319-337-5665 (this is not a toll-free number). Should you wish to apply for the Pell Grant, be sure you do so well in advance of the school term or course start date to allow sufficient time for processing the grant application. You may want to check with the school you want to enroll in to determine when you will need to have the FAFSA completed by for acceptance into the school semester, term or technical classes for which you want to enroll. You may also want to work with the Office of Financial Services at the educational institution which you plan to attend.
- Carl Perkins Loans
A Carl Perkins Loan is a need-based student loan offered by the U.S. Department of Education to assist students in funding their post-secondary education. You may also apply online for a Carl Perkins loan by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form located at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by calling 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). If you are hearing-impaired and have questions, contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913. Callers in locations without access to 1-800 numbers may call 319-337-5665 (this is not a toll-free number). An additional website for information on Carl Perkins and other federal loans which you may find helpful is https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/perkins.
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Find information about federally funded student loans. Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, also provides education opportunities designed for unemployed workers. To speak to a representative, call 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). If you are hearing-impaired and have questions, contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913. Callers in locations without access to 1-800 numbers may call 319-337-5665, which is not a toll free number.
Universities, State Colleges, Vocational and Career Education Schools
These resources provide information about Florida’s universities, colleges, vocational, and career education schools.