empty nester going back to college...how to finance it?
926377
Fill out the FAFSA online! They use tax return information from the previous year, and if you were a single mother, you should qualify for at least a Pell Grant, if you weren't making much money. On the FAFSA, you can choose if you're interested in just grants, loans, or both. The FAFSA is free. The worst they can say is "no." \n\nAlso, many employers nowadays offer tuition reimbursement. It may not be publicized, but should always be asked. If you have a college or university near you, many times they will pay your full tuition or at least part if you work for them.\n\nAnd lastly, check websites of the universities/colleges you're interested in. Many times you can find links to scholarship applications. There are many scholarships out there for non-traditional students. Also try the website: www.fastweb.org. There are many links to national scholarships.
538075
You only have to have lived in your own place for 1 year and rely only on your income as far as reporting the income on the application. Go to your local community college and ask to speak with a financial aid adviser or the one at the college that you intend on attending.
986423
First get your act together. Talk to the people you owe oney to and ask for some grace. Is unemployment an option till you can get a job. Do you have freinds and family that can watch your kids till you get on your feet. \n\nIs there someone you can stay eith till your able to move out on your own?\nYou can do it!
1161408
Your loan agency (the government, or a private institution) will distribute the money to your college, usually about 4 weeks after your semester has begun (for a full length semester).\n\nThe school will then use the money to pay off any outstanding debts you have (for classes, for registration, for tech fees, etc.).\n\nMoney that is left over, will be given to you in the form of a check, about 2 weeks after that. \n\nYou then have the option of either returning it to your loan agency (so you won't owe more later, and so you don't reach your loan limit before you have finished your degree)...\nOr cashing it and sending part of the money back to the loan agency (same reasons as above, plus building up a good line of credit, showing you pay your debts)...\nOr cashing it and either spending or saving it.\n\nI suggest using what you need for books, then sending the rest back to the loan agency, or depositing it into a bank account that will give you interest. Keep this money separate from the rest of your spending cash or it will soon dissapear, and remember, you always pay interest so you always end up having to pay back more than you borrowed (which is why I returned the checks, uncashed, to the government, my first two semesters in college).\n\nBy the time you get to your last 1.5 years, try saving all the money...because 6 months after graduation, you have to start making large payments to the loan agency, and if you don't have a good job, you won't have the money on hand...so save their money and pay them back with it!
154479
I was in your position once.  You apply for FAFSA and they give you a Pell grant (or not) based on parent's income (family's calculated contribution).  Recently, Bush cut from the budget of Pell grants, so you may not be as lucky.  You do not have to pay back student loans until 6 months after you have left school, but college is worth every penny and every loan I took out, so I hope you will make a way. If I could, then anyone can.
193406
As long as your loans are not in default you can get federal financial aid if you're attending an accredited college or university and enrolled in a degree program. \n\nYour current loans will be deferred while you're in school.This means you dont start repaying the old loans and the new loan until 6 months after you graduate. and if there is a problem- maternity or unable to find a job etc, you can request an additional deferrment.\n\nYou should look at grants and scholarships for adult students as well as check out any educational reimbursement program your employer might offer. \n\ngo to the fafsa website www.fafsa.ed.gov and complete your application after you have filed your taxes because you will need info from your tax forms. you can apply for aid there. also check with your state financial aid office or dept of education, they will tell you about grants or scholarships. finally check with the university you are going to and see if they offer adult student scholarships\n\nFinally, decide if you are going to franklin pierce- or another university. make sure you dont owe any money and get your transcripts and take them to the new school to see if your credits will transfer and talk to the readmission office at your old university to see if it would make sense to just finish up there.\n\nAnother bit of info: check out about.com's money site to find out about rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy. As long as youre paying your bills on time, you will be able to rebuild your credit, maybe starting out with a department store credit card and then a Visa or MC from a bank that you only use once a month and pay the entire balance on each month just to build a payment history. \n\nCongratulations on deciding to continue your education and Good Luck!!
712097
You don't tell us what you did in the military so it's a little difficult to offer any employment advice.  If you can, go home to your parents.  Let them know it will be for a short time and you will pay rent.  And then do so.  Next, contact your states Department of Human Services.  You may be eligible for aid while you are trying to get your life in order.  Some states have health insurance for children, WIC just to name a few.  You may even be eligible to housing assistance and childcare assistance.  Contact local temp. employment agencies and have them test your computer skills.  Let them know you are anxious to work, and are looking for a permanent position eventually but will work wherever needed until such a position is available.  If your computer/office/ factory skills are not up to par, look for work in your local Walmart, fast food places, etc. There are jobs that do start almost immediately however they don't usually pay that great so you may need help from loved ones.  Good Luck!\nPS.  Where's your baby's daddy?  He is legally responsible to provide financial support for the baby so ask DHS about routes to collect this money too.
586987
If you can afford it, you might want to seek some legal advice right now, just to explore your options.  If they tell you that there may be no good way to obtain money from your son, you might want to speak to him to find out what his intentions are.\n\nAs far as Financial Aid: the federal methodology used to calculate your grand-daughter's EFC (i.e. her ability to pay for college) *requires* that she include parental income/asset information on the FAFSA.  The student who does not provide this information will be denied aid until the issue is resolved.  If your son leaves her with you, your information can't be used in the "parent" section unless you officially adopt her.  HOWEVER, she may be able to petition her school's Financial Aid Office to be considered independent, in which case parental information won't be required and she will probably be eligible for a good deal of financial aid.
11816
You must do it in baby steps:\n\n1. Get on a written budget. Have a baby emergency fund of $1000 in a simple savings account that you can get it quickly, if need be.\n\n2. Do your debt snowball- List all of your debts in order of what you owe least to the largest amount.  Pay off your smallest debt first putting as much as you can towards it while still continuing to pay the minimums on the rest.  When that debt is paid off, simply add that amount on to the next debt that is in line and keep going. You won't believe how fast it works when you get going with it. Sell something if you have to, but get going.\n CUT UP all of your credit cards if you have any and never do them again! Forget about the interest rates, you need positive momentum to get you going and to keep you going! it really works, did for me and many others.\nPay off all debt except for the house mortgage.\n 3. Finish your emergency fund with at least 3 to 6 months worth of expenses in it.\nThis info will get you going.  Alot of people take an extra part time job just temporarily while doing their debt snowball.  there are more steps to financial peace.  Please check out daveramsey.com, he has classes in alot of areas, and a great website and daily radio show!
594449
I went to college with no financial assistance from grants/loans or my family.  Started at a 2-year community college, working full-time and taking classes at night.  Transferred to a full university, still working full time and squeezing in classes in the morning/evening, doing homework in the middle of the night, and not getting much sleep.  It took me 6 years to get my first degree that way, but I made it.  Went on to get 2 graduate degrees, all while working full time.\n\nYou don't need a full ride or tons of money to get a college education -- you just need desire and willpower (and a lot of caffeine!). :)
988119
What if your husband could put some more hours in to support you while you attended school? Also, you mentioned on another page you work with credit, so I'm sure you could find ways to obtain a loan during that time. Final option: downsize. Too many people voluntarily join the "rat race" with their monthly payments on a nice car, nice house, and other items that aren't necessary.
1047864
Pay off the car, set up both college funds, and take a vacation.\n\nIt's amazing how $100K doesn't go that far...
243889
Did you do the FAFSA form.  I am kind of in the same boat.  I didn't go to school and I worked instead.  Now my FAFSA info will be based on my income of 20,000 even though if i go to school full-time I won't be making any money.  We should keep in touch and encourage each other.  I hate feeling like I have an "impossibbility complex" over something as simple as going to school.  If you can work out something to get through your first year, you will be eligible next year.  Take student loans, it should be worth it.  If you click my name, there is a link on my profile to send me an email.  Feel free!
973120
You should pick a school first.  Then apply for Federal Aid (through school or on internet).  You can also ask for Loan info.  These loans have to be paid back, but not till after you graduate.  Don't take out a loan if you don't have to.  There are always state grants that you can apply for and scholarships that you can get.  I would talk to a finical aid adviser at the school that you are accepted to attend at.  It is also cheaper to go to a two year or community college to get most of you basic classes out of the way.  You really need to check if the classes you are taking at these schools will transfer to a four year college before you take them, because you don't want to waste your time and have to take them over again at the more expensive school.  Also try to take only classes that you need, but sometimes give yourself a brake by taking a class that you think is fun.  It is worth it.  \nI hope you get back to school it is the best thing that I ever did.
684110
Have you looked into grants, like the Pell Grant, that you don't have to pay back? You have to have certain income guidelines. Get a good!counseor at the admissions at the college and they will go to bat for you. There is millions of dollars in untapped grants and scolarships that people don't use, alot from private donors, every year, going to waste. You can start on the internet and get on a reputible site, goggle "money for college", or go to the book store, they have several books on untapped loans, I bought one myself a few years back. Also work study programs at the universities are worth looking into. There is a goldmine out there! Are you the child of a Veteran by chance, that may be a route to go and look into. Good Luck!
159776
My mother started college when she was 45 and finished with a graduate degree 4 years later.  She waited until we were all out of the house and then got out and took care of it.\n\nIf you go to a community college for the first couple of years you can ease back in, and even get credit for life experience.  You can take CLEP exams and almost get two years credit if you are an avid reader and have a good degree of general knowledge.  Go and see an admissions director at the local community college and see.  It isn't all that hard.  After you get your start and feel confident, you can transfer to a four year- accredited college as a sophomore or junior and finish up.  There are plenty of student loan programs you can qualify for if money is the issue.  Most in-state schools are affordable and accessible.  Since programs vary, pick the closest school to you and go in and talk to them.  You can do it!
796183
Statements you are making are conflicting....\n\nYou are financially independent.  You make enough to have a decent living but you still live at home and you have very limited budget for college.\n\nThis does not make any sense.  \n\nIt seems you have to set/reset your priorities.  You can't have EVERYTHING.  If it is your desire to get an education, then cut down on some of your liesure activities.\n\nMy suggestion is to start with community colleges.  Tuitions are a lot less.  You can get an AA degree and it will substitute for the first 2 years of the 4 year college.