Expert: Andrew Youngker - 1/25/2011

Question
I want to return to school at a 2 year college to get an associates degree.  It's state school and I need to get financial aid and possibly a grant. Since a 2 year school offers no housing I would have to live off campus and would need enough money to pay tuition and rent. I would get a part-time job but I wouldn't be able to look for one until I arrive.  My big question is it possible to a grant that I don't have to pay back? and financial aid.  I know there are alot of grants available but I have no idea how apply or research them.  If you could steer me in the right direction I would appreciate it.   Thanks

Answer
Congratulations on wishing to attend school again. At any school there is a thing called the student budget. This is the amount of money the school predicts should be able to support a single student for the year including fees, books and housing. This amount will be known as the maximum amount of money that you are eligible to get through all possible funding sources.

As far as grants are concerned, the Pell grant is available for those that are in financial need. There are also other grants available from the specific school and the state. The thing with a state school is that they are entitled to federal funds for their students and can only charge a certain amount. The current maximum for a Pell grant is $4500 per year.

In order to qualify for any financial aid the FAFSA needs to be completed. This is an online form that usually takes about 2 months to complete once it has been submitted. The process starts now for financial aid money to be given out the following fall semester. Your school will notify you if you qualify for any grant money.

There are also scholarships that are available within the community. The best resource for this is the local community college that you are applying for. Another place for scholarships is Fastweb.com. Remember, you should never have to pay to get a listing of a grants and scholarships.

Good luck on your future education endeavors.