Going to college for the 1st time by the time I'm 24 yrs old...finance options?
Asked by memoirsofajeweler1985I'm currently 22 and I made a mistake of getting a cosmetology licences during high school (just so I wouldn't have to go to college). Truth is after 4 years, I hate the career. I've decided to go after my dream of working in law enforcement. I want to go back to school by the time I'm 24. Here's the situation; I want to go to a certain 2 year tech school and major in Criminal Justice, then enroll into a Law Enforcement Academy after I graduate. I haven't taken the SAT or the ACT (meaning I'll have to start studying hard even before I apply for the college). I did earn a Hope Scholarship during high school, but after 4 years, that's probably not an option anymore. My question revolves around how to pay for it. The college offers a Lottery program that will cut tuition greatly if I qualify. If not, I'm looking at roughly $15,000. What are the best finance options for someone in my position? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Answered by racingmumble
Right now, unless you have a child or dependent, are married or a veteran of the armed forces, you will still need to use your parent information on your FAFSA application (www.fafsa.ed.gov). To use only your income, you'll need to wait until the year you turn 24 to apply for federal &/or state financial aid. I would also recommend looking at scholarships online through Fastweb.com as well as through the schools you are considering attending. You might also want to double check with the schools you are planning on attending because based on your age, you may not be required to have the SAT or ACT scores--Once you have gotten your certificate or 2 year degree from the technical school, you would be treated as a transfer student and would not be required to have those scores. Most states do have a state grant that is based on your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant which is based off of your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) which is equivilant to @ 30% of your annual income. Your final option would be to apply for a student loan - but I would recommend taking out the Federal loan before taking out a private loan which will have a higher interest rate and be based on your credit as well as it might make you start paying it back immediately instead of after you graduate. I hope this helps.
Right now, unless you have a child or dependent, are married or a veteran of the armed forces, you will still need to use your parent information on your FAFSA application (www.fafsa.ed.gov). To use only your income, you'll need to wait until the year you turn 24 to apply for federal &/or state financial aid. I would also recommend looking at scholarships online through Fastweb.com as well as through the schools you are considering attending. You might also want to double check with the schools you are planning on attending because based on your age, you may not be required to have the SAT or ACT scores--Once you have gotten your certificate or 2 year degree from the technical school, you would be treated as a transfer student and would not be required to have those scores. Most states do have a state grant that is based on your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant which is based off of your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) which is equivilant to @ 30% of your annual income. Your final option would be to apply for a student loan - but I would recommend taking out the Federal loan before taking out a private loan which will have a higher interest rate and be based on your credit as well as it might make you start paying it back immediately instead of after you graduate. I hope this helps.
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