AboutFelicia Gopaul Expertise Paying for college can be challenging for parents. I can offer advice on different approaches involved in navigating the financial aid system both for parents who don't expect to qualify for any need-based aid and those that do.
Experience Over 10 years working with parents to determine the best way to pay for college, including the last 3 years specializing in college funding consulting.
Past/Present Clients Parents of college bound students currently in high school and the first few years of college who want to provide the best education possible and still have money for other financial goals.
Expert: Felicia Gopaul Date: 4/16/2008 Subject: Where do I start?
Question I have been a stay at home mother for 20 years. Recently divorced, I have been thrown in to a new world. I have two daughters still at home and I recieve child support on each of them. I also work full time at a local chain salon her in South Texas.
I would like to go to college full time and finish my degree (associates in office management) in the two years that I still receive child support for the oldest. However, I have no idea where to start other than to fill out typical paper work from the college. They want last years tax return, but that is not what I am making right now. I just need guidance please.
Michelle
Answer Michelle,
Congratulations on your decision to return to school. Things have changed a bit since you were last in school. However, everything starts with filling out the financial aid forms.
When completing the forms, they ask for last year's tax information. If you are making significantly less this year than last, you want to bring that to the attention of the financial aid office. The financial aid office has the ability to use professional judgement to potentially award you additional financial aid.
If you have a choice of colleges to attend, investigate the financial aid policies at your college choices to see which one might offer you the most beneficial financial aid package. I'd also advise visiting- http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/ to see how much federal financial aid you are eligible to receive. Also find an EFC calculator on-line to how much you will be responsible for contributing to your own education.
Armed with all that information, you will be in a good position to evaluate which college is in your best "financial" interest.
I wish you much success.
Felicia Gopaul
College Funding Resource
