AboutCynthia Wolfe Expertise Let me help you with questions about adult education and continuing education programs. If you are looking for a program or have questions about adult education in general, I can guide you. If you are a teacher looking for new ideas or methods, I can help. I have resources and ideas to share. I am a member of the National Business Education Association (NBEA), a professional organization devoted to the recognition that business education competencies are essential for all individuals in today's fast-changing society.
Experience I am an instructor at the University of Phoenix, both in their online and classroom modalities. I am an advocate of continuing education for all adults to improve their career skills and achieve personal satisfaction.
Education/Credentials Northcentral University, student, PhD, Business Administration
Troy University, 2001, MBA
Troy University, 1980, B.S. Environmental Science
Question QUESTION: I am a 44 year old woman and going to college.I have gotten student loans and grants from the school.Are there any other grants out there that you don't have to pay for to apply I have looked everywhere.Ican't find anything at all.I need help with living expenses while in school.I know there is money available through the government but i do not know how to find it ir where to look.
ANSWER: Hi Rebecca,
Congrats on returning to school to finish your education! You mention that you have grants and loans from the school. Most of time you cannot get grants or loans unless you fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). The FAFSA is a federal form which matches your profile against loan and grant opportunities. The FAFSA requires financial information which will identify how much you will receive. Did you fill out the FAFSA? If not, here is the link to get started (it is online): http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
If you are quitting your job to return to school, you will likely find that you cannot continue with your current standard of living. Most adults returning to school do so on a part time basis because they bring all of their debt with them. Don't expect the government to give you a complete ticket (paying for education + your expenses). Typically the money will "help" but not "support" the student.
Take a look at the FAFSA and fill it out ASAP (now and each year). It will take a few weeks for the results to come back. They will send you some information as well as the schools you select on the form.
Good luck with your studies!
Cindy Wolfe
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QUESTION: i have done the fafsa and another grant i think it was a pell grant.I just thought there was different grants you could apply for.I get e-mails for them all the time but for high schooll students not adults. I know there are other grants available i just thought you would know where to look..
Answer Hello Rebecca,
There are two types of grants...federal or need-based and merit grants. The Pell Grant is a federal grant. Some states offer grants as well, and may require an additional application. Contact your state's higher education system. If you are already enrolled, go to your college's enrollment counselor and ask about grants or scholarships. If you are a member of a civic organization, check to see if they have any scholarship opportunities. You made a correct observation - most are for high school students, not adults returning to school. That is sad because many adults have a greater level of comittment than 18-year olds!
