NeedANewCareer

Hey everyone,

I'm a complete newbie to college so please bare with me!

I am 26 year old single-parent. I currently live on my own and was working as healthcare worker for Seniors until I was laid off in June. I have been searching for a job pretty much everywhere since with no luck.

Anyways, my savings are almost completely tapped out and I don't know what to do next. I'm thinking about going to college but I don't know the first thing about getting started or what my options are.

I've heard of BOG which I guess pays your tuition? I've also heard of FAFSA which is supposed to give you money for books, etc.

Do these programs pay per semester? Just once?

I'm half Asian and half African American so I'm wondering if I have other options such as grants or scholarships I could apply for. I'm hoping I can end up with a small amount of spending cash to help pay some of my bills like gas, car insurance and my cell phone.

Can anyone help me out or point me in the right direction?

I am located in Sacramento, CA and am looking at going to a college around here - I am close to Cosumnes River College, Sac City, Sac State and American River College.

Thanks for your help!

happymomof1

Pick up the phone and make an appointment with one of the admissions counselors at the CCC that is closest to where you live. That person can help you figure everything out.

Good luck!

NeedANewCareer

Ok, I planned on making an appointment at a few of the colleges around here but thought other people in my shoes might be able to give me more "unprofessional" advice like what to expect, tips to get more money, and answer my general questions.

happymomof1

For general information read through FinAid! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans. You classify as an independent student for financial aid purposes, which means you can borrow more money in student loans. That may not be such a good thing, because it is really easy to end up with too much debt.

aunt bea

FAFSA doesn't give money. It is a free application to help determine your eligibility for Federal Student Aid. The colleges don't have a lot of money to dispense, especially in California. Your eligibility for any kind of funding will be based on your income. There are very few scholarships available (even for underrepresented minorities).

You will be starting at a community college and will slowly build up your coursework until you can transfer to a university. You need to first contact a community college and see a counselor. It won't be easy starting anew and learning how to study and budget your time, but eventually, you'll pick it up.