Trials and triumphs of a middle aged student

As an adult college degree recipient, I can tell you firsthand how it is possible to go back to school without the financial resources to do so.  I did it, and so can you.  My first mistake was to think I was not eligible for financial aid because I had a good job, was able to support myself and my one daughter who was still considered a dependent on my income tax return.  Do not make this same mistake.  The very first step you need to take in financing your adult education degree is to submit a FAFSA application online.  It is not at all intimidating as I believed it to be.  Not only did I qualify for more than $1,000 in federal and state grants during my freshman year but by completing the FAFSA I qualified for deferred interest loans and numerous adult scholarships as well.  Grants are a gift, they do not need to be repaid.  The Subsidized Stafford loans are educational loans which do not start accumulating interest until 6 months after you graduate or stop taking classes.  Currently the deferred rate of these loans is only 4.5%.  I challenge you to find a loan without collateral at a comparable rate!

Now, how to find adult education scholarships… Use the internet and search every possible avenue.  Here in the State of New Hampshire I found many scholarships I qualified for and applied for every single one of them.  Yes, it does take some time and effort but it is certainly worth it.  GSC offers the “Osher Re-Entry Scholarship,”  as well as the ALA Merit Scholarship.  Next I found the Adult Student Aid Program Scholarship available through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.  Through my continued Internet searches I found available scholarships through the numerous NH chapters of the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, the “Take it to the Bank” scholarship offered by NHHEAF and many small local scholarship programs specifically offered to residents of individual counties and communities.  Aside from these scholarships available to NH residents there are countless national scholarships also available to the adult college degree student.  Many banks, retail stores and businesses offer student scholarship contests.  Take the  time and put in the effort to apply for and attain the required finances you need to obtain your degree.   I did it, so can you.  Every scholarship I was awarded was again offered to me for a second and third time in my subsequent years of study.

In my next post I will give you other tips and tricks on obtaining your adult college degree with limited finances.  Most scholarships have deadlines so do not procrastinate and get started right away on your scholarship search.  Once you have completed this you will be ready for the next phase of financing your education....