Do I have to get a divorce in order to get financial help with college?
Question:
I am 24 y/o. I am happily married and have 4 sons. Next year, all of my children will be in school. I REALLY want to go to college, but we cannot afford it. We have checked into getting a few loans, but that isnt feasable either. I qualify for almost no financial aid, b/c I am married. What can I do? I cannot work simply to pay for college, b/c then I would never see my children. Plus, I would have to pay a sitter to watch them during the evening, because my husband works really long hours. My kids are #1, and I want to spend as much time as possible with them, but I also want to get a good education so that I can help better provide for them. If I were to get a divorce, then I would qualify for much more financial aid. That would be a last resort! Is there anyone out there that can help me? What is the next step for me? Thank you all.
Answer:
The next step for you is to look into scholarships ..especially programs at the state level.
Financial aid eligibility is not based solely on marital status, but income levels at the time your eligibility is being calculated for. Which means that getting divorced won't change your income from this year or last year. It would take about 2 years for your eligibility to change and even then would still make your EFC (expected family contribution) SOME amount that you'd have to contribute to your education.
No matter what your marital status is, income is the dominating factor here. I totally understand your situation, but there are A TON of state sponsored programs and even women in transition programs at community colleges that can help you.
Also, remember that community colleges charge very low rates by the credit hour (apx. 50.00 for residents of the county they're in) and you can take one class at a time, online. It'll take longer, but one class shouldn't cost more than 300.00 depending on books you'll need...which isn't bad.
Part-time status also affects the amt. of funding you're eligible for, so you may want to look into going full-time. Remember that you can take alot of your core classes online, and this can help with the child care issue. Good luck!
no
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I went back and got my Master's with FAFSA loans.
You don't have to pay any of it back until after you finish.
You have to figure out if you think you can handle the loan payment then.
Keep your costs low - go see someone in Admissions at the school you want to go to - this is a great time to do it. See about grants and scholarships with Admissions as well.
I admire you for wanting to go back - I have four kids too but I am a Dad and not a Mom. Calculate the cost to you family too - are they supportive? Will they sacrfice when you need it? ( like get dinner once in a while, clean up, etc.)
If you think a better paying job will be the result than the FAFSA payments may make sense.
Check the FAFSA web site - almost anyone can get these government student loans.
I can not believe what I just read.
"Let me throw away my marriage, split up a family of SIX, just so I can do what I wanna do, and get FREE TAXPAYER money for it."
This country is going to hell in twenty ways.
There are loans that are guaranteed for students, subsidized and unsubsidized. Go to the college you wish to attend and speak to someone in the financial aid department as soon as you possible. Good luck!
that is not necessarily true. You will have to show how you will support your kids. And usually, child support and alimony can cause you to be only eligible for loans. good luck!
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