Am I completely insane?

[EarthRootsStarSoul]

This fall I want to go to college full time.  I am a single mom, so I'd have to take out student loans to live on.  Can this work?

[sparklett]

It depends.  Will you be at a 4-year or a community college?  I know people who  are in a 4-year program and max out their loans and aid and receive about $19,000 per year and also qualify for additional aid through work-study.  The real question is whether you can stomach the idea of having to pay all of that back, plus interest.  Ouch.

Fill out a FAFSA and they'll send you an award letter stating how much you can receive in aid and loans.  Deduct tuition and fees, and the rest is the balance that you'll receive for books and living expenses. 

[JTA Mom]

Originally Posted by sparklett 

Fill out a FAFSA and they'll send you an award letter stating how much you can receive in aid and loans.  Deduct tuition and fees, and the rest is the balance that you'll receive for books and living expenses. 

Do this first. Also, what degree do you want? If you are disciplined, first go to a community college to save some $$$, then transfer to get the rest of your degree.

There are lots of scholarships out there too, from ethnic ones to single parent to even crazy ones like for tall people. Search online, go ask the financial aid people at any of the colleges.

I also think many colleges have onsite daycare for children of students. Something to look into.

It's hard, but doable. If it will improve your life, do it! In other words, a philosophy degree I'd say don't. An accounting or nursing degree? Heck yes!

How old are your boys? Will you have family help at all?

Ami

[Ravin]

If you're old enough that you don't have to count your parents' income, there's a good chance you'll qualify for some grants along with the loans. It's worth taking a serious look at, at least. I've known people who did it. They also utilized public assistance...loans are not actually income, after all.