Little-Known College Funding Strategy Our Client Families Should Know About
7 Minute Video
As an A Through Z College Planning client, there’s a college funding opportunity we want on your radar. Why?
Because over the years, we’ve heard hundreds of parents say essentially the same thing:
“We make too much for financial aid…but not enough to comfortably pay for college.”
That’s what makes this worth investigating.
It’s called The Vocational Rehabilitation, or VR Program, and it has been around for years. Yet many families have never considered whether it could apply to their student.
Students with certain documented medical, learning, mental-health, or physical conditions may potentially qualify for education, training, and employment-related support. Conditions can range from ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, depression, allergies, chronic medical conditions, hearing issues, physical limitations, genetic conditions, and others.
And here’s the part that gets parents’ attention:
Depending on the student’s eligibility and approved plan, assistance may potentially include tuition, books, fees, laptops and technology, transportation, tutoring, career certifications, testing, training, and other approved services.
But there’s a catch.
Having a diagnosis doesn’t automatically qualify a student.
The VR Program is ultimately an employment program. The important question is whether the student’s condition creates a challenge or barrier to education, training, work, or future employment.
That’s also why your student’s career direction matters.
The student needs to be prepared to explain what career they want to pursue, what challenges they face, what education or training the career requires, and how appropriate support could help them become successfully employed.
And don’t automatically rule your family out.
Some families assume:
“Our income is too high. This won’t apply to us.”
Don’t make that decision without investigating the program.
VR eligibility and services aren’t the same as traditional need-based college financial aid. Financial information and other available resources may still be considered, but families shouldn’t automatically dismiss the opportunity simply because they don’t qualify for traditional need-based aid.
Already an A Through Z College Planning client?
If your student has a documented condition and you think VR might apply, call us before you begin the process.
We’ll help you through the college-planning side, your student’s career direction, documentation, FAFSA and financial-aid information, scholarships, and other pieces that may become important.
The Hidden Opportunity Medical-Based College Funding Strategy This funding plan helps students with documented medical, learning, or mental-health conditions, ranging from ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, allergies to chronic health issues and genetic disorders. These students may qualify for special educational support that can reduce college costs and fund career training. ➤ PDF
➤ Follow these steps and this script PDF
➤ Student Worksheet for Medical-Based College Funding Strategy PDF
If this applies to your child, call us now.
Important Disclaimer: VR eligibility, services, and funding are determined by the applicable Vocational Rehabilitation agency based on the student’s individual circumstances and approved plan. Program requirements and funding can change. A Through Z College Planning does not determine VR eligibility or funding, and participation does not guarantee payment of college or other educational expenses.