Non-traditional undergrad (3rd year) trying to figure out how to afford returning to college?

I’m really stressing out about how to afford college, and hoping someone here might be able to give me suggestions (or their own experience and how it turned out). In short, years back, I was working on a physics degree. Between my 3rd to 4th year in college, I had an extreme family crisis that pulled me away from college. It took eight years for me to get all that straightened out, and now looking to try to go back.

I have applied to a local college to go back. My concern is financial. Previously, I was up to the start of my 4th year. I can’t remember with my 1st and 2nd year, but I do know that in my 3rd year, I was maxing out my student loans. My total in student loan debt based on what I see on my credit report currently is $31,246. That also has eight years of interest on it, so not sure the original amount (I need to contact OSLA, as I can’t login for some reason).

I am currently trying to catch up on the curriculum, but I forgot so much of this. I’m having to refresh on my Calc I through III, Physics I and II, and probably one or two other courses I’m going to have to brush up on. There’s no way I can pick up on anything beyond the start of my 3rd year, as there is already so much I have to catch up on just to get back to my knowledge for that. But, that means more college and more money to retake courses.

The cost of living is expensive around here in my area, but I have shared custody with my children, so moving isn’t an option (at least not out of the expensive area, which is huge), and I have no idea how I’m going to afford rent and other expenses, then on top of it, afford college. On top of that, of course the time needed for college is going to limit how much I can work (you NEED a good amount of time to study). Along with that, I can’t find a decent job due to NOT having anything more than my AA currently. So, it’s not like I have many options work-wise either.

I don’t know how much more federal aid I can do for college. From what I see online, it looks like I’m over halfway to the cap already. My credit is not spectacular (640 TransUnion), so I don’t know if I’d even qualify for private student loans.

Education is my priority, as I NEED to get this degree so I can pursue my dream. I’m just not sure if I end up capping out before I graduate what I can do? How easy/hard is it to get private student loans? It looks like about $57k is the max for undergrad? Also (if you know), from what I heard years ago, the majority of grad students in physics get stipends? I’m hoping so, because then my only issue will be getting through undergrad, two years, then I should be good in that case.

If anyone else has struggled with financial issues like this and has any suggestions or hopeful feedback, I’d greatly appreciate it. I want this so, so bad.

Please try to do your refresher courses at a low cost community college. Take these courses while continuing to work so that you won’t need to borrow for those classes.

Once you are ready to finish up your degree, it may make sense to borrow. You can find out how much outstanding loan debt you have by going to Federal Student Aid. If you have never set up an account, you can do so here: Federal Student Aid. You will be able to see what you have borrowed (minus any loan principle that you have already repaid). It’s also possible that you might qualify for a Pell Grant when you return to school, depending on your financial situation.

Please try to complete your degree without borrowing private loans.

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A couple of free resources for math and physics.

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Honestly I would look at finishing an online degree from Arizona State in any subject and seeking employment thereafter. You have a lot of responsibilities, including children. The market for physics grad students is not good.

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Have you considered jobs at the local college?

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What IS your career goal?

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