Emily Said:

Are there any scholarships or programs available to those returning for a second bachelor's degree?

We Answered:

Hey, Dianna, c'mon now, we'll gladly offer whatever help we can provide without the melodrama....

You're right - it will be harder, but certainly not impossible, to find scholarship assistance for second degrees - ASSUMING, of course, that you have the academic qualifications to be competitive in scholarship competitions. There certainly aren't any scholarships that go to students who offer nothing more than a desire to earn a second degree.

Before we worry about that, though, let's look at a couple of other things.

First of all - that EFC score that you received - that's not how much anyone expects you to pay for school. If you've been through the education system once already, I'm surprised that you haven't learned that yet. Despite the stupid name that the Department of Education came up with ("Expected Family Contribution"), the EFC is nothing more than a financial aid index. Every aid applicant is "scored" on the same financial need continuum, making it easy for schools and financial aid professionals to compare different students.

So let's immediately do away with the complaint that you're expected to pay "a little over $15,000 for your education". That's not true.

Now here's what is true - because you already hold a bachelor's degree, you're not going to qualify for any need-based financial aid. Your EFC score doesn't really matter, because you weren't going to get need-based aid, anyway. All of the Federal Student Aid program's grants are only available to students who haven't completed a bachelor's. By the way, this includes the TEACH grant, which is only available to students working on their first bachelor's degree.

So what does that leave? Maybe government loans. Have you borrowed from the Stafford program in the past? As a married student, you're automatically "independent", which would make you eligible to borrow about $4000 a year more than a dependent undergrad. That should be good news to you.

As I'm sure you already know, your loan payments don't come due until you've been out of school for 6 months - that will leave you to time to nail down that first teaching job so you can use your salary to pay the loans. By the way, the fact that you're seeking teaching certification is definitely a factor - be sure to indicate that to the financial aid office when you talk to them.

Listen - when I answer these questions (and I've answered thousands), all I can do is offer generic advice - information that applies to everyone. I don't know your financial aid history - I don't know your academic qualifications - I don't know anything about the school that you'll be attending. When it comes to more specific questions - you really need to bring these issues to the financial aid officers at your school. They have all of that information available to them, and they're the ones who can vet your qualifications against every possible assistance program.

Yes, it is challenging to find much in the way of financial support for a second bachelor's degree. If money was no object, I'm sure second degrees would be far more encouraged, but the reality is that there's not even enough money to satisfy the need of every deserving student the FIRST time around. Money given to a student who is seeking a second degree is a second bite of the apple - and limits the amount available to first-timers.

That doesn't mean that your situation is hopeless - it just means that you have to take the extra initiative to bring your situation to the attention of advisors who can sit down and ask you questions, and narrow down whatever options are available to you.

I'm sorry that nursing didn't turn out to be your thing - unfortunately, it might be easier if you were a teacher hoping to get into nursing, rather than the other way around. Good luck to you - congratulations on managing your MH issues in the midst of the stress, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Keep thinking positively!

Shannon Said:

Hello All!! Any suggestions on what type of grants can I apply for college????

We Answered:

Do internet searches on "single parent", your ethnic heritage, intended major, clubs, interests, hobbies,geographical location see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement as a benefit (many do) and think of anything you are involved in that you can search under.

There are tons of scholarships out there, you just have to dig them out. I think a mistake a lot of people make is dismissing the small ones-- $400, $500, they don't apply for them because the amount is "too small". Well, those scholarships often don't get awarded because nobody applies for them! Get a few small scholarships and it really adds up over a semester or two. Places like your local Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, local banks, lots of places in your community offer scholarships--start making some phone calls!

Also contact your state employment agency. In my state there is a program aimed at single mothers. Our local community college also awards grants for single parents.

Go to the library and ask for their scholarship reference book.

Your instincts are correct--don't pay a service to research for you, you can do this yourself for free.

Good luck, hope it helps!

Gina Said:

$10,000 scholarship for mothers to return to school. Only BIOLOGICAL??...?

We Answered:

Lesa:

I'm sorry, but there is no such scholarship.

What you've read is one of many such phony pitches that are being used by crooked companies that are trying to sell "hidden tips" about how you can qualify for financial aid.

The only "grants" involved is the part about you granting your money to a crook. If they seem to be promising free, or very low-cost information, go back and read the materials more carefully, and you'll discover that - way down in the fine print - you're agreeing to sign up for a monthly fee that will be auto-debited from your bank account every few weeks.

The President campaigned on a platform that promised his strong support to give EVERY American the opportunity to attend college. He is well aware that the biggest single obstacle for most students who haven't gone is money. Rather than creating any new programs, he and his allies in Congress have increased the funding to existing programs - but there are NO special forms of aid for "single mothers", "working mothers", "grandmothers", "the unemployed", or any of the other groups that you'll see mentioned in those phony ads.

EVERY one who wants to go to school - regardless of whether they're moms, dads, children, grandparents, working or unemployed has access to the same set of very generous forms of financial aid - all sponsored by the American taxpayers. After all, it's a good thing if the people of this country are educated - they can get better jobs and earn more money, and they'll need less government assistance.

If you hope to return to school, start with this excellent Department of Education guide to the Federal Student Aid system. This booklet explains all of the different aid opportunities that are available to college students - who qualifies - how much you might receive - and how to apply: http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/attach…

Good luck to you - I hope this information helps. Whatever you do, don't send a crook money to find out the "secrets" of grants and scholarships that do not exist.

Jean Said:

Please Help. Anyone with information of a High school in NC?

We Answered:

Only one site slightly describing the school and one site with them listed as having a basketball team (note the schedule). Not much, hope it helps.

Nicole Said:

Where's the money coming from?

We Answered:

out of thin air...

the cost of this "free lunch" is inflation

we will ALL pay for this in the form of higher fuel, food, energy, housing, interest rates etc

inflation is one of the liberals favorite taxes, because most liberals are too dumb to get it - then they blame it on Bush

Arnold Said:

Can my mom still claim me on her taxes next year? I will be in graduate school.?

We Answered:

she she entitled to claim you until you are 24
and if you are living with her, she is still paying your portion of rent, utilities, phone, insurance, repairs, taxes, medical etc--you mention you pay gas, food and clothing, but that doesn't make up more than 50% of total support

Warren Said:

how can i apply for grants for single mothers returning to school?

We Answered:

I found a website offering Free Grants information. It is wonderful and I would love to share with you!!

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Sounds too good to be true?! Visit http://www.grant4free.com to check it yourself!