Financial Assistance for a 21 year old single mom?

Question

I'm a single mom, 21 years old wanting to attend a community college for my LPN certification (nursing) - My question is how do grants and student loans really work? Will I have to buy all of my supplies and books and pay for classes, then get reimbursed later? and if so how long does it actually take to see and reimbursement?

OR is there a system that allows you to pay for classes and books with a voucher?

my problem is that i can't pay for myself and my son, AND classes, and books and gas and daycare and so on and so on... im just wondering how it works before i put myself in a situation where i go into even more debt by trying to buy books and stuff! ?

Answer 1

First of all, congrats in going back to school. It is the best inverstment of your life!

This is how it works:

Attending a community college is perfect for your situation!

First thing:

File an application with FAFSA. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov

You will need your tax return 07

The FAFSA is a federal grant. It is also known as the Pell Grant. They will determine how much money you can contribute to your education. If its not much, you will receive aid.

Second, apply for any state grants. Ask your Financial Aid office for state grants. Or you can check out the states website and check out aid for students in your particular state.

After you have filed your FAFSA, they will disbursed the money to your school. They will cover the tuition. BUT since you are in a community college, you may be eligible for a FEE WAIVER. This will cover tuition. This way what you get from financial aid will be disbursed to your later on the semester (check your financial aid office for the disbursement dates). If you are taking 12 units or more, the whole amount of financial aid will be disbursed. If less amount of units are taken, you will receive less financial aid.

12+units = 100% of financial aid

9-11units = 75% of financial aid

6-8 units = 50% of financial aid

Less than 6 = NOT eligible for financial aid

In addition, there are programs for mothers in community colleges in which they give you vouchers to pay your books.

Also, they have programs for mother in which they have child care while you are @ school!

So, you really don't have to worry much. Make sure you complete the FAFSA ASAP! Then, go to the financial aid office @ your school and ask them about the grants (and disbursements dates later in the semester) and concerning programs for mothers to help you out.

There are a lot of help in community schools for mothers.

Congrats!

Answer 2

It's all based on need: When you get accepted to the school, you will be asked to fill out a FAFSA- financial aid application. Based on your income, and last year's tax return, the givernment will determine how much aid you qualify for. Typically, what happens is that the money goes directly into an account in your name at school, which will credit towards any balance you have (from registration/fees/etc). If you go to community college, which is cheaper, you will likely end up getting a refund at the end of the semester (again, this depends on how much aid you qualify for. If you make too much money, you might end up having to pay out of pocket for some classes).

SOmetimes, it will be determined that you can get vouchers to help pay for books. But for the most part, you will probably have to pay for books out of pocket. Remember to go to different websites first before buying your books, compare prices. (i get a lot of my books from Half.com)

Again, your FAFSA will determine how much in student loans you qualify for- it works the same as the grants- the money goes directly to the school and they can cut you a check.

In any case, any loans you get will be deferred until months after you graduate. Even if you do end up getting loans, the payoff is great when you finally granduate, and earn more money than you would have if you hadnt finished school. GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

Different schools will have different systems, so you need to contact the financial aid dept. of the college and ask them.