College, money, Time, past mistakes..?

That is a tough situation. If you were 10 years younger I’d advise military service. The best thing to do is try to become a free-lance writer (if you are skilled enough), earn some money on the side. That or try to befriend some rich, old person who doesn’t have an heir.

I think this is one of those things that you’re trying to figure out for yourself, when there are already resources to do this.

You need to make an appointment with the financial aid office at the college you wish to attend, and explain your situation. Start out by explaining your goal (a college education, so that you can work in the field of ______.) Then tell them that you simply don’t have to money to go to school. Ask them to outline your options. Yes, your low grades have probably eliminated some types of financial aid. But other circumstances might open other aid opportunities. Once again, this is something that a good college financial aid counselor can help you with.

Your best option might be a student loan. Student loans are typically at a reasonable interest rate, and payback doesn’t begin until after you graduate. Some student loan payments are as low as $50 or $100 per month, no matter how much you owe. Okay – so it will take a LONG time to pay that off — but you will probably be making a LOT more money with a college degree, so it will be worth the “investment.”

Of course, with a student loan, you really need to FINISH school. Some students borrow thousands of dollars, but don’t have the discipline to finish school. They STILL owe that money.

Some other things to think about:

1) Make sure you are getting a good value for your tuition dollar. Unless you are looking for highly-specialized training, junior/community colleges are the best value for the first two years. State universities are typically the least-expensive alternatives for your 3rd of 4th years.

2) Consider online and evening classes that will allow you to keep your current job. Even a couple of online classes will reduce your on-campus time. Talk with your boss about an alternative schedule. You might even need to switch jobs to one that will give you a more flexible schedule (just something to think about.)

3) Do a real gut-check with your finances. Maybe you already live a spartan life, but you might need to ask yourself what you are willing to give-up financially to make this happen. Do you need to trade in a fancy car for a less-expensive one? Do you spend money on expensive clothes and jewelry? Are you willing to give up dining out, cable TV, expensive social activities (clubbing), hobbies, etc.? As I said, maybe that’s not an issue. But the best place to begin a financial aide program for some people is to eliminate the $100 per week spent partying and entertaining themselves.

4) Finally – you need to see this as an investment in yourself – along the same line as investing in the stock market, real estate, etc. You are putting some of your assets (your time, your comfort, your money) into a program that will pay-off in the future. Just like a garden, anything that grows requires and investment. When you invest in yourself, you will benefit.

Going to college is not a LIFE, it is a preparation for life. You just need to dig-in and get it done, even if it means that you have to eat beans and potted meat (been there), disconnect the cable TV (done that) and study on breaks from my fast food job (done that too.) But – once you’re done, you’re DONE. Just keep your eyes on the prize. Best of luck to you.

You should check with your financial aid office as well as check to see if you have an “adult learners” office. Being over 30 on a college campus makes you an “adult learner.” Some campuses have specialized services and staff to help adult learners deal with all of the issue that come with going to college mid-career.

Also, to be honest, if you’re going to take the time to be a freelance writer, you might as well be writing your own essays for those grants and scholarships.

Or you could hire people to help you write the essays, hiring a freelancer.

But really, with financial aid, it usually comes down to hard work. It’s tough, but you have to put in a lot of time to get those few scholarships and grants. Hopefully, your school has a good financial aid officer who will be willing to help you out.

I wish you the best of luck.

Have you submitted an appeal letter to the financial aid office asking them to reinstate your aid based on your family situation (dad leaving)? If not, you need to do so. Aid offices can grant appeals in the case of mitigating circumstances. Be very detailed in your appeal letter…why you had problems in the past, why you have decided to come back, what your future plans are for being a student/graduating/career. Type it or print very neatly…find out who will be doing the review (director, asst. director, counselor) and address it to that specific person. They can always say no (and there is no appeal beyond the school) but you never know until you try.

JRM has the best answer. Appeal the denial. If still denied, you MAY be able to apply for an alternative loan, that DOESNT have a SAP requirement, but a positive credit history will be needed. Go for the appeal first, the alternative loan is your LAST resort.