What are my options financially for returning to school?

Question

I am currently 24 and have not really taken my education as seriously as I should have. I am now VERY focused and I would like go back to get my degree in English/Film. I am still working on my AA (so you can see how much time I've wasted), and I only have about 13/60 units thus far. I am currently unemployed and am looking for a job. I applied for financial aid last year, but they denied me, because I made too much when I was working in 2006. They consider 18,000 too much I guess. I currently have my own apartment and have alot on my plate, needless to say. I have no kids, and I'm just trying to get my life together. I REALLY want and need to o back to school, not only to get a degree, but to learn more and just educate myself well.
I know I may not be able to get a loan, without a job, I'm not sure if financial aid will approve me, I made a little over 5,000 this year and that's barely enough to eat. I would've had a job by now, but my petty theft record is making it hard for me.

Answer 1

maybe you should start at a community college. they aren't that expensive. you can get s work study job on campus which would take care your employment and then if you keep your grades up you will probably be able to get some kind of scholarship for transfer students when you move to a four year university. it is great that you are focused on your education now, sometimes it just takes a minute to get priorities straight, but i am sure you will e success in whatever you do. : )

Answer 2

I'm not sure what you mean by "denied" for financial aid. You might be denied a grant or scholarship due to income level, but you would still be able to get Federal student loans - up to the amount your school certifies. If you filled out a FAFSA last time, you should have gotten a letter telling you how much and what kind of loans you are eligible for.

http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/preparing.jsp
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

You can also check out scholarship search websites. A lot of scholarships require essay writing and that sort of thing, but if you're willing to put in the work, it could help.

http://www.fastweb.com/

Answer 3

You should be eligible for a Pell grant with what you made this year. You can always get other loans through your financial aid office that will be paid back after graduation. You can always work full time and go to school part time but it will take longer. Just make sure whatever you decide to major in will be a degree where you can actually get a job to support yourself.

Answer 4

u should go to a university because community college takes too long u have to take these non sense classes that have nothing to do wit Ur ca-rear. university is Lot better just find one that is more affordable

Answer 5

I think u should consider private colleges university of phoenix,etc. and , how do live in your apartment and u dont have a job. how do u pay for it. tell me bc I need help in that department.