[Red]

I'm considering going to college. Notice, I don't say 'back to college', cause I've never been.<br><br>
i'm 47, so let's be gentle. This is huge.<br><br>
I have two kids in college now, and one starting next year. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love"> (Ain't I doin' good!?)The oldest two are taking their time and will both be too old to be considered on my income, but number three will count.<br><br>
All of this, leads up to one question. I need to know how much $$$. Is there a way for me to file a FAFSA with two different senarios? Ok, I know there ins't, but is there somewhere to run a few differnt things?<br><br>
See, in two years, Frick and Frack, the twins, will join big sis at college. We are not wealthy people. It might save me a load of dough to wait two years. And at this point, that's peanuts.<br><br>
So, how do I figure out what it might cost, without ging through hell? Can I jst file a FAFsA for both my DD and I going, and then update it if I don't go? Do we each file a separate one? We do, huh?<br><br>
Well. heck, I need help with dough, so give it to me! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

 

[heldt123]

I would file a FAFSA for yourself for sure. Do you have a community college you could go to? I would try to do that first. If you get a A.A. degree through a community college and transfer to a 4 year college you will save big $$. When I went to our local community college I usually got money back in excess to my tuition and books from a federal pell grant. Or there may be a program through a community college that would satisfy your career needs??? Our local community college actually has a couple accredited colleges that have 4 year degree programs at the community college campus at half-price tuition! Check out the colleges you could possibly attend. There are scholorships you could start applying for now. I know there are special ones for people who start out late! Also do a few web searches for scholorship apps. If you have some time, there are lots that require writing, which many younger students may not take the time for.<br><br>
Good luck! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[heldt123]

Oh, and go talk to the college counselers. That's what they are there for. I'm sure they would be more than willing to help you find assistance.

 

[FreeThinkinMama]

if you're going to community college they'll usually have some kind of chart that will show you your family size versus your income and whether you'll qualify for grants. you might be more likely to qualify now if you have more people in your family because of the way the scale works. you need to actually apply to the college first though and then fill out the financial aid forms because the college gets the grants and then gives them to you. if you're going to community college it's open to everyone so it's just a matter of filling out the forms and paying the fee (I think mine was $20) and if you decide to go taking placement tests.<br><br>
there's not a guaranteed way of pre-qualifying, there are general guidelines but there are so many variables that the only way to know for sure if you'll get a pell grant is to apply for one. you can always apply again in a couple years if you need to. I think my community college has something like a family of 3 with an income of less then 28,000 a year qualifies.<br><br>
If you're approved and decide not to go for whatever reason that's okay too, just contact your college and let them know, you can always apply again later down the road.<br><br>
good luck! what are you thinking about majoring in?

 

[CrazyRED]

I'd file the FAFSA for yourself as well as your DC. Whether you go or not, it will give you an idea of where you stand. (And how much of your DH's overtime you'll have to spend <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">) I agree with a pp about talking to a counselor.<br><br>
But big kudos to you for going to college. I'm excited for you!

 

[Bleu]

Good thoughts on filing FAFSA on yourself, talking to college FinAid counsellors, and looking into community college. Community colleges are very well set-up for adult learners -- both administratively and academically. You have anxiety about returning to school after godknows how many years? They know the drill. Many, many community college students are non-traditionally aged, and the professors, staff and academic support people (like the people in the Learning Center) will really understand your issues.<br><br>
Financial aid is only going to be more limited as time passes, considering the state of our economy and the debt the federal governement is racking up under the Bush Admiinistration and both houses of Congress. Plus, you may as well apply for aid when you'll be needing it the most -- i.e., when your kids are in school, too. Maybe the situation will be too bleak without your earnings, but maybe the best thing would be to suck it up and be broke for a few years, then graduate, get a better job and earn, earn, earn.<br><br>
Also -- look into scholarships. They exist, and they're not just for youngsters.<br><br>
What are you interested in studying?<br><br>
Good luck! You can do it! I bet you'll be amazed at what you can do.

 

[Flor]

My mom went back to college while I was in college and it saved money. She helped me with all thepaperwork then said, why don't I do this for my self? The cool thing is that the FAFSA people decided our expected family portion was 1200 dollars a year (just for me in college), but when my mom decided to go back, it stayed at 1200, but now just 600 a year for each of us. I was at Mills College and she was at the California College of Arts and Crafts, each about 30,000 a year, for 600 dollars a year each. (I did have loans, but less than I now owe for my new Honda.) So, what I am saying is explore the 4 year route, too. It isn't necessarily pricier, depending on your finances. My college had 25 percent of students "returning" or starting later.

 

[Red]

Thanks ladies. I'd forgotton to check teh Community college near here. I'll chech that out and just file the paperwork.<br><br>
I'd like to take some english and writing courses. I'm not working at this point, just writing, so if I got better at it and could SELL something, that would be great.<br><br>
CrazyRed, I love your new siggy!