HUGE Post, but I really need help/advice

Mombot
Fri, 17 Aug 2007 21:53:03 +0000

Ray, not to be insulting, but let’s get you through college first!
Actually, DD is a sophomore in college and she is starting to think about grad school and has some good mentoring where she is. If you really are looking for grad school then I think you are right on the money looking at a smaller school.

If you want to go to law or business school you are generally expected to pay your own way–medical school has some assistance for those who are willing to work in certain programs once graduated–a friend of mine joined the army and did several years as an Army doctor to pay back her med school education. Academia is quite different–if they DON’T offer you some kind of teaching assistanceship or research stipend and tuition help then that is a big fat hint that you don’t belong in grad school.

Now, about financial aid strategies for kids with divorced parents: state schools use the FAFSA method, which takes into account the income and assets of your custodial parent. Private schools generally look at the income/assets of both, so if your parents are divorced you’ll generally although not always get a better deal from a public school. There may be a few private schools who only take FAFSA; perhaps some parents can weigh in.

Here are some smaller state schools that specialize in engineering and technology:

Colorado School of Mines: http://www.mines.edu/academic/chemeng/ugrad/index.shtml