Certificate Programs

• Degrees tend to represent long-term courses of college study that can take four years or more to complete. By contrast, certificate programs allow students to augment previous studies or prepare for entry into graduate programs by completing a shorter series of classes -- for example, five related courses -- and earning a certificate of completion. Students don't need to carry the high costs of completing a second bachelor's degree or beginning a master's degree; instead, certificates permit students to enhance resume or job qualifications with more concentrated, abbreviated studies. The FAFSA can help pay for some of these certificate programs.
  
  

Examples

• One common certificate includes teacher certification programs, which potential educators complete before working professionally in public school classrooms. Other examples of certificate programs include fitness specialist certificates, computer fashion design, business studies and technical writing. Students might also complete certification programs in entrepreneurial studies, health systems management, international business or regional economics.
  
  

Ineligible

• The FAFSA can only fund education in schools recognized by nationally accredited agencies in the field, according to government regulations. The U.S. Department of Education doesn't accredit schools, but instead maintains a list of qualifying schools. Agencies might use different evaluation criteria or peer reviews to determine whether schools offering certification programs can accept federal financial aid. Students attending schools not appearing on the accreditation list will not qualify for FAFSA funds.
  
  

Steps

• If you're considering enrolling in a certificate program but aren't sure whether it's FAFSA-eligible, contact the school directly by phone or email and ask. Alternatively, visit the U.S. Department of Education website to check the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Note that you plan to enroll in a certificate program when completing the FAFSA in order to receive aid if the school is listed.
  
  

Repayment

• FAFSA can help you pay for certificates of study, but that doesn't mean that it's cost-free for you. It's true that grants and scholarships don't have to be repaid, so FAFSA funds can indeed pay for approved certificate program costs. Loans must be repaid by borrowers. In that sense, FAFSA-generated loans can't fully pay for even accredited certificate programs. You will be responsible.
  
  

Other Options

• If your potential school isn't accredited, check with industry professionals and associations to make sure the school is respected and worth attending; otherwise, you might be wasting your money. You can always take out private loans, apply for outside scholarships or cover costs with your own savings if desired.