Financial aid for college at 53yrs. old..where?

Question

I would like to study horticulture so I can make more money at my present job or a different job. I need some kind of financial aid. Help...please.

Answer 1

Financial aid is based primarily on income and cost of education. So yes, you can get aid at 53 if you income qualify. The first you will have to do is pull your financial records and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). www.fafsa.ed.gov. All Financial Aid Offices (FAO) at colleges will require this first.

Then you can contact the Financial Aid Office (FAO) at your intended college and talk with a counselor. They can help you see your calculated need based on the college program you want and how much colleges can say you can pay from the FAFSA report. Really poor students can qualify for grants (no repayment) called PELL and SEOG grants. Subsidized loans are also qualified through the FAO process at your chosen school.

Some community colleges have great horticulture programs well suited for working professionals like you. Those such workforce type programs tend to have the right mix of required courses to aid you in your job right away and they tend to be cost effective.

I admire you wanting to go back to college. You prove the concept of us all needing to be lifelong learners.

Good luck!

Answer 2

File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov This will determine how much federal or state money your are eligible for funding your education. The deadline is March 2nd in California, varies in other states. The sooner the better you file, since funding can run out.

Good for you! And good luck!

Answer 3

Contact the financial aid office at the school you (want to) attend. They will have a host of information to help you.