Back to School at 35. Loan questions...

[wdwiala]

I am seriously thinking of going back to school this fall to finish the last 2 years of my teaching degree. Can anyone give me an idea of where I should begin in regards to school loans?

Is there a go-to company for these things? In case you are wondering, there is no way I will qualify for financial need programs. Yet, too broke to pay up front the tuition. (Welcome to middle class!)

 

[Ephany]

Have you done your FAFSA yet? www.fafsa.ed.gov is the website. That's where I was always told to start, even if I didn't qualify for need based aid that year.

 

[happygirl]

Try to get grants. That way you don't have to pay them back

 

[Cindy B]

I don't know what state you are in, but be very very careful with finishing a teaching degree. It is not as "in demand" as you think.

I went back to school at 33 to finish up and get a teaching degree. Now I am 38 (with 39 close behind!) with my teaching degree and NO OFFERS. I have two certs, fantastic GPA --very close to perfect, great recommendations and I cant find a full time job.

I'm thrilled that I was required to do a dual major--so at least I could find work in my other major.

You might be suprised with the FASFA figures. We are solidly middle class and I got some free grant money that I don't have to pay back. Also, because of my GPA, my school gave my scholarships. A private firm also gifted me some money.. this private firm was looking for over 26 year old females who were first generation college students.

 

[amid chaos]

Don;t forget scholarships.

http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/nontraditional.phtml

 

[LMC]

I just started school again and they told me to fill out FAFSA. Even if you don't qualify, it will open up the door for some student loans thru the schools. I know one of the loan types is Stafford. I messed up and entered for Fall aid but now am taking 5 courses this summer so I won't be able to find out how it works until closer to fall semester.

 

[etoiles]

Yes, as the other poster mentioned make sure the field you want to teach has plenty of openings. I am a national board certified teacher with nine years of experience and have a part time job this year. (I am an art teacher, not really in demand at ALL)

Other fields I know that are filled up are English, social studies, and elementary ed.

Also, I don't know if you are but I am married and we own a home so just getting a job and moving wherever the job is will not be happening so I can't just up and apply for a job 3 hrs in the middle of nowhere like I could when I first graduated which helped me land my first job. Keep that in mind.

 

[crazelion]

I know I got lucky when my job for me go back to school get my teaching degree. Check with your work to see what they is offering in money for school. you might be surprise they will send back to school for free.

 

[wdwiala]

Thanks guys. It's quite a bit to think about.