So I’ve recently completed a grad program, but realized that if I complete a about eight additional courses I will qualify for a specific certification in my field which I think I will enjoy a lot more than part of the field I am in. However, one of the possibilities is that I can enter the program as a non degree student, but this means I won’t get funding. My credit is not good enough for a private loan without a cosigner (I’ve already tried) and there’s no one that would cosign for me. So I want to know are there are any federal funding available for non-degree graduate students? I’m in the education field so are there special considerations for that? Or can I reenter the program as a graduate student even though I’ve already technically graduated?
Many employers will be for further education up to a certain amount. You should check there first.
No, there’s no federal funding for non-degree students.
There may be some state-level grants or cancelable loans for getting certified to teach in your state, but if that additional certification isn’t for teaching, then you probably aren’t eligible for that either.
Whether or not you can reenter the program as a graduate student depends on your individual university, but I’m betting the answer is no.