College Help?

Question:

Alright, Here's The Deal: I am 27 years old, married w/ 4 children (all 5 and under), work a full-time job w/ 40+ hours per week. Bills piled 2 ft. over my head! Now, I want To enroll into a local college(PJC), so I can get a degree in Computer Tech./Programming. I simply do not have the money to pay for any of this. Period. What Kind of Program will pay for it in full? If Not in full, at least 80% of the tuition, books, etc. I've went to the federal aid web site and looked at all the different loans and grants, but there is not enough info to answer my question. Any help would be appriciated.

Answer:
The best option is to wait a year before starting junior college. The reason is that you have the best chance of getting a better financial aid package, and the college's financial aid deadline has probably happened. This could possibly result in more student loans and less in potential scholarships. I will include some free resources in locating money to attend college.

First, the college's financial aid office and website has a list of private scholarships offered from outside organizations and companies. Sometimes a college major's website will list scholarships, too.

Second, the public library has a book listing scholarships with some not even listed on the web.

Third, the FAFSA form will tap into need based government grants and college scholarships. This needs to be filled out in either January or early February. The form becomes available January 1 for the upcoming fall semester or quarter. It can bring student loans though depending on the situation with the EFC.

Finally, I recommend joining several free membership scholarship search websites. There are scholarships for a variety of things including ethnicity, clubs, hobbies, and even wearing duct tape to the high school prom. Most are updated on a regular basis. Most offer a customized search based on information entered onto a form on the website.

Good luck!

Basically, you need to fill out a FAFSA form before March in the year you want to attend. They will provide you with how much you will receive for that college. You can decline or accept any type of aid the offer. You will get this info. long before you need to enroll for classes, but you do need to get accepted to the college first. All of the best financial aid is gone as soon as they start to distribute it, so get you FAFSA form filled out as soon as they let you. To fill it out you will need your recent tax forms, so fill out your taxes early too!

College Help?

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