Wife, full time mom, money is tight, want to go back to college. Advice?

Question

I am in my mid-twenties, and never finished college and would like to finish what I started. I completed a year of Community College after high school, however I gave up school to work Full Time. When I was younger I only went to school because it was what everyone else was doing, it wasn't right for me at the time. Now that I have been out of High School for 8 years, I would love to go back and finish. However, things are different now. I am not working, but I am a full time mom to an infant. I do NOT want to or have the money to use daycare. So I would have to do night classes. However my husband is the only one brining in an income, since I am at home. So that leaves us with no extra money for me to go to school. I really want to get my degree so when my son is older, and ready for preschool, I can work as well. Any advice, have any of you been down this road. Is there any financial aid for someone who is in my position, not exactly poor, but money is very tight?

Answer 1

I would go back to your CC (or another), preferably one that offers online courses in addition to in-person courses. More and more CCs are offering this, as many people are in your situation and need to continue their education. CC tuition will be cheap for the year or so you need to make up (you may need to retake some classes), and then you can get your AA or AS. At that point you can determine if you want to go to a four-year college.

There may be some financial aid, although probably not at the CC level. Plan ahead for the BA degree if you go that route. Good luck to you--my sister in law is doing what you want right now, and it's hectic but very fulfilling at the same time!

Answer 2

What Anna P wrote is 100% correct. Your best, most reputable, fastest and cheapest option is to do a degree, at night, at your local community college. Once you get the associates, you can go on to complete your bachelor's at any school you'd like. But again, your state university will be the least expensive option.

I just wanted to add that there will be financial aid available to you at your cc. Talk to them about it. In addition, check with your husband's work, to see if they offer scholarships for family members. Check with your church, and any clubs or organisations to which you belong - both local and national offices. Also, if you have a strong tie to your ethnicity, check there as well (for example, if Irish, the Ancient Order of Hibernians would be a resource).

I'd have you avoid the for-profit schools. Stick to your local state school system (the cc, and your state uni), and you'll get a solid, reputable degree that can take you places.

If online courses are tempting, only take those that are attached to a reputable, brick and mortar uni. And that's is NOT U of Phoenix. It is, however, UMass Amherst, U Maryland, Penn State, and maybe your own state uni.

Answer 3

I too, was in your position, one income, wanting to complete my education with 3 young boys, 5, 2 and 1. I had my mother in law to help with the babysitting duties for a year.

The key to this WHOLE thing is, will your husband support you in what you want to do? That is the MOST important thing, because without his support, not financially, but everywhere else too, you are going to have a very difficult time.

Fill out a financial aid packet and sign up for everything, see what a married mother of one would qualify for. It's not going to hurt anything and you have EVERYTHING to gain.

There is financial aid for you not only to pay for tuition, books, lab fees and so on, but for extra things, like gas to go back and forth to school on, also, look at the school itself for scholarships and local financial aid. Talk to your counselor about your unique situation.

Answer 4

Great answers. Also, a lot of community colleges now have online courses. In California, the California Virtual Campus at http://www.cvc.edu/ has listings for all the online courses offered by California community colleges, universities, and some private colleges. Stick with the community colleges because they're cheapest. If you're not in California, see if your state has the same sort of statewide listing for online courses.

Answer 5

Have you tried open university or online courses? there are usually lots of options to build up your degree in stages - so perhaps you dont have to pay the full amount for the course in one go. Have you looked into a Student Loan from the government? I'm sure there is something that can help you, but i'm not sure where you can find the information. Good luck.

Answer 6

Look for a job that offers tuition reimbursement. Some companies offer this program to their employees. It wont pay 100%, but it could be a help.

Answer 7

go to night school, at a local community college, because its less expensive. thats probably the cheapest way 2 do it.

Answer 8

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