brownstien

Hello after an extended hiatus I have returned to school. Right now I am back at the local community college I received my associates from in 1995.

Anyway my question is this....at age 32 w/ no dependents how much aid could I expect to receive next year with a reported income of approx $8,000 for 2006.

Thank you in advance.

Northstarmom

It depends on the college. Often colleges post on their web pages information about how much aid they can give. You also can e-mail or call the financial aid office.

From what I've seen, community colleges are priced very low, allowing in-state students to be able to attend them while also working fulltime. No matter how low your income is, I'm guessing the chances are low that the college will give you a full scholarship. I don't think that most community colleges have lots of financial aid $. It may be able to be generous with loan money, however, but you will have to pay that back.

If you're thinking of transferring to a four-year in-state public, it's possible that there are special scholarships for transfers from in-state community colleges. Check into that possibility.

emeraldkity4

I am wondering if you have already earned a two year certificate- why you are attending a 2 year college, unless you are taking classes that will enable you to transfer to a 4 year school- if you haven't fulfilled those classes already.
Are you in a vocational program or are you intending to earn a BA?

Susantm

Check with the college. Some colleges do have special scholarships for those returning to college after several years away.

johnM

It depends on the school, of course. If you can get into an elite university that meets 100% of all students need, you can usually expect very good aid (yet sometimes there are exceptions that work against transfer students). I'm 28 and just got accepted to Northwestern with a $35k aid package as a transfer from a community college. I made $21k last year working about 35-40 hours per week. Northwestern was very generous.

So, by all means, reach high. Just keep in mind that such schools have very competetive admissions, so make sure to apply to a couple safety schools as well.

And take the advice of the other posters here. Look at the individual school's websites for their financial aid information. Also, if you are looking to go to a state school, ask your cc counselor for some help. They will point you to plenty of people who will be able to help you find your way along that route. (They probably won't be as knowledgeable about private school admissions and aid, though.)

brownstien

yes thats right....taking some prerequisite classes I didnt the first time around...I intend to move along after the Fall to a 4 year