Am I too old for financial aid?

Question

I am a 27 year old single mom of two planning to go to college (finally) ten years after high school. A co-worker told me that I wouldn't get much financial aid because I had waited so long. Is that true? I'm also curious as to whether my SAT score will affect the amount of aid I receive (positively or negatively).

Answer 1

You are by no means too old. There are plenty of people twice your age and older who attend college for the first time and receive financial aid. Please don't let yourself feel like you have missed out on anything.

SAT scores have very little (if anything) to do with your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. Most of this aid is based on financial need. (There is one type of grant called the Academic Competitiveness Grant that is based on merit and, yes, this grant is intended for recent high school graduates so even if you retook the SAT, your graduation date would preclude you from receiving this award.)

As a 27-year-old Freshman, you can expect to receive the same amount of financial aid that would be offered to an 18-year-old Freshman *with one key exception*: because of your age and because you have children, you are considered independent. So, while most incoming Freshman must report their parent's income information when they apply for financial aid, you are only required to report your own income/asset/household information.

Because you have not previously received a Bachelor's degree, you will be considered for federal grant aid, the amounts of which will not differ because of your age or dependency status. When you receive your Financial Aid award letter, you WILL see that being independent will make you eligible for additional Stafford Loan funding.

Now, it is possible that your future school will offer its own merit-based funding. I can't imagine a financial aid office that would penalize you for being older, though they might determine a student's "merit" by requiring recent SAT scores. I would recommend researching the eligibility criteria for the school's funding and, if you find that they require a recent SAT score, you could consider retaking the test.

You might also be able to find some scholarships designed for students who are returning to school after a long(ish) hiatus. See below for the link to FinAid.org's "older students" page.

Answer 2

No, it is not true. Most financial aid is need-based. If you have the need, you will get the funds. Also be aware that scholarships exist for women in exactly your position. Get a copy of a recent scholarship guide and look up options under things like "women," "mothers," and "returning to school after ____ years." SAT scores will not effect the amount of financial aid you will get from the state, because it is need-based. However, most scholarships have minimum SAT requirements, so your options in that area may be limited if your SAT scores are low. Also, look into local programs that help "untraditional" students like yourself go back to school.

Don't worry, you're never too old to start college. You are still young, and I bet you'll be surprised to meet plenty of women much older than yourself in college. :-)

Good luck!

Answer 3

No, you are never too old for financial aid. I am 29 years old and qualify for aid. Your SAT score will not adversely affect you for federal aid; however, a high SAT score will qualify you for more scholarship and merit aid. Remember, most colleges' priority deadline is March 15th, so hurry up and apply!

Answer 4

you gave him undesirable recommend. he's real, until he's 24, married, have childrens he helps, earns a bachelors degree, turns right into a vet, or some greater uncommon issues, he could desire to incorporate his mothers and fathers tips on his fafsa with the intention to confirm if he qualifies for help. no longer residing at abode would not make a lick of difference. nor does the actuality good previous dad would not opt for to pay. He can get a job and if that isn't adequate, he can get a 2nd interest and do issues to diminish down on his expenditures.

Answer 5

No, you can apply for it. One of my co-workers just started going to college part time and she applied and got some help. Just try and see how much they would give you. Try fafsa.gov and you'll get an answer in a few weeks or right away on the internet. Good Luck.

Answer 6

I'm 28 and get financial aid--look into it! As far as I know, SAT's have nothing to do with it.

Good Luck and congrats on going back to school!

Answer 7

no- no one is ever too old for anything and definatly not financial aid- i believe financial aid was designed for people out of college and i dont believe your sat score will affect you

Answer 8

you already got a lot of good information and i just wanted to add that your co-worker is either very jealous and told you this stupid lie to discourage you from bettering yourself, or is just a plain out idiot!! i wouldnt ask them for help or let them know what im doing, people like that just want to bring you down. good luck! you can do it!!!

Answer 9

This topic is worth everyone's attention

Answer 10

My husband was in his late 30's when he went back to college and he was able to get a full Pell, it doesn't depend on your age, but your income and dependents.