I need help going back to school, my dad will pay tution but I will need help with living expenses,single mom?

Question

I am 21 I have a 2 yr old and one due on 9\11\06. My dad said he would try to get the money to pay for the main tutiom but I will need the most help with living expenses. I want to go back for archetecture and drafting which is something I love but I just need to know where I can get the help that I need

Answer 1

Start here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Fill it out and send it to your school of choice for financial aid. If you qualify for a Pell grant, this is how you will apply for it, and any other gift money the school will give you based on your financial need.

Now, go here: http://www.singlemom.com/CAREER/education_resources.HTM

That will help you with all the rest. Good luck! And good for you!

Answer 2

First fill out a fafsa form, I believe some one has given you a link but here it is again http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ This will see if you qualify for a pell grant or many others available. If you don't qualify for a grant, it will also provide you with loan opportunities. Since you have dependents you can file independently of your father, and you may be able to get a full ride; your dad may not even have to cover tuition.

Second: Have you considered doing your basics on line? There are many colleges who offer a variety of majors on line and you get to stay home with the little ones. This gives you flexibility to work since you can get on at any time of the day. Here is a link to some Architecture and drafting programs http://infomadesimple.com/education/degrees/architecture-degrees.htm?OVRAW=online%20degree%20architecture%20and%20drafting&OVKEY=architecture%20degree%20drafting&OVMTC=advanced If this isn't what you're looking for, you can search the web; I'm sure you'd find plenty others to suit you. You can also contact the school of your choice and ask about on line courses. Many offer basics on line and then you only have to go on campus for a few.

Good luck, don't give up. You are doing what's best for your family.

Answer 3

hey, i'min almost the same position... except my dad can't pay tuition, and i only have the one babe, but she's two and i'm in architecture...:) I live in canada, so i don't know the resources in the US, but i can't imagine them being too far off! anyway, what i'm doing is applying for unemployment, which you are probably already on for maternity leave... and that qualifies me for an education grant that pays 80% of tuition, and helps with living expenses. there is also a program here called through welfare that will help pay for babysitting expenses... unfrtunatly welfare won't fully assist a parent in school, for WHATEVER reason, but anyway. aside from that last year i lived with my parents, as i'm on my own and i didn't know my rights or resources, and i spent the year living off a student loan.. which isn't what i really wanted, but it got me through my first year, and a good paying summer job. :) i don't know how much help that is, but hopefully it will get you onto some path that will work for you.. best of luck!

Answer 4

Grants, but if you have been working, they will expect you to fund part of your education. Loans. Look into a work-study program at your school...you will be able to work in the architecture department and get paid for it. With a baby on the way though, it will be hard to go to school and work. Those children need your attention. Maybe go part time or take your basic courses like English, etc. online.

Answer 5

there are tons of free grants out there. Even though I think this guy is really annoying on TV, Matthew Lesko puts out a yearly book on free govt money etc.

Take an afternoon or two and head down to your local Borders, Barnes and Noble, and spend a couple of hours. What's nice about B&N is they generally have a kids area for the kids to play, which is generally good for about 1.5-2 hours.

You'd be amazed at what you can find that way..

Answer 6

Try looking at what the government has to offer along the lines of financial aid. It's not hard to get a low-interest loan that you won't have to pay back until after you graduate, and grants aren't difficult to get either.

Go talk to a financial aid counsellor at the school. They will help you ALOT. Trust me.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Contact The State Department of Social and Health Services. They can help you with living expenses and help you with school expenses also. The othe thing they will do is make the Dad be responsible.

Answer 8

I go to school full time work full time and have 2 kids. At my college there is a daycare, they are there while I am, and I work nights as a bartender while they sleep. I don't sleep much, but I am on the Dean's list, support myself, and financial aid pays for school. Your dad may not have to pay if you show you are independent (financially).

Answer 9

Grants! (you don't have to pay them back) There are many grants available to pay for your tuition, books, etc. Then use your father's help for living expenses instead. The Internet is a great place to begin your search for a grant. Don't give up. Good luck.

Answer 10

Talk to your school's financial aid department. They've got info on scholarships, grants, and loans. Also, be sure to go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You have to fill one of those out to get Pell Grants, Ford Loans, etc.