Funding for College
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Funding for College
| Wed, 04-06-2005 - 12:25am |
Does anyone have any advice for me? My daughter has expressed a strong desire to go to college and she has all these dreams. I am divorced with two childen and I don't have much support. Their father pays only a small amount because he has been laid off. Does anyone know of grants I can apply for? I know I have a lot of work a head of me. Is there a website that would be good?

Hi there....I'm not sure what age your daughter is? But, during senior year - you are encouraged to file for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is done through the gov't (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)... If she is eligible for any grants you will find out through them. A lot of the money given is highly dependant on the tax returns of the parents - so in your case it might be very benificial to help you daughter complete the applicatio.
Also - she should be able to go to her guidance counselor at school and see if there are any scholorships that she meets requirements for that she can apply for.....MAKE her do this - you'd be surprised at the number of scholorships available IF you'll only do your homework and find them.
Also - once she has found a school of her choice, figure out if THEY have any financial aid programs available. I would highly suggest speaking one on one with a financial aid counselour there. Work - study programs are available at most schools. (My brother actually did this to supplement his federal aid, grants, scholorships, and loans, and it worked well for him).
If possible - maybe also suggest that she begin at a community college, which are WAAAAAAY cheaper, maybe to get her AA and then once the general courses are out of the way she can transfer to a 4 year school. Community colleges are a good choice for people who'd like to continue schooling but don't have or want to shell out the BIG bucks. These schools also provide financial aid when requirements are met, and many schools will let you prorate the costs of the classes throughout the semester.
Avail yourself of ALL resources at your current high school AND of any college she's EVEN thinking about going. They all have counselors specifically for this reason. Don't be shy - step up and ask away.
At a very last resort she could always apply for a student loan. I hate to even say that considering there are so many options available - but I understand that for some people this may be the last and only way to get higher schoolong.
Whatever you do decide to look into further - keep on encouraging your daughter to continue on to college. In today's world even an AA or Bachelor's is better than NOT having it.
Good luck to you.
:)
I'm not sure how it works now, but when I tried to
first go to college my step-dad claimed me as a
dependant (my dad died), and maded 85k/yr, but gave
me absolutely no support whatsoever. This eliminated
any chance for even a student loan.
Since I was taking once class per semester, working full time
(4.50/hr before taxes), and he kept a room 'available'
(i wasn't clever and didn't understand this, and how it was
effecting my future), he claimed me as a dependant till I was 21.
I didn't get out from under until I was 21, and ended up going
to college on my GI Bill, which, put me 4+ years graduating
behind my peers. I feel these effects today, even, and I'm 40.
If at all possible, let her declare herself as an independant person,
even if you lose the tax deduction, and even if you are still helping her
as best you can.
I can promise you the difference between graduating at 22 and 28 is
significant.
The community college idea is also a good idea.
But look forward to her major when considering this. As a specific
example, if her major is engineering, she probably will not get the
math skills at a CC to make it. Everything else is probably OK and
is a very good financial bargain.
Hi, I would try posting to "Parents of College Students" board. They seem to be a smart groups of ladies and can maybe help you out. Here is the link :
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-psppcollege Good Luck!
What a caring mom you are to want to help your daughter, even in your present financial situation.
I have copied your post and I will read it again tomorrow morning. I am tired tonight, LOL What I read already was very thoughtful. Thank You, I needed to hear that. I may share this with my daughter too.
Thanks for everyones post too
Good Luck!!
Everyone has given you good advice!
I do want to add, DEFINITELY have her talk to the guidance counselor.
Becky
CL of 4th, 5th & 6th grade Scoliosis