Tips for Adult Learners

The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). This will allow the school of your choice to determine how much financial assistance they can provide. This is also a great time to start making a budget. There are college cost tools that can help you start this important step of the college planning process. You should also contact the financial aid offices at the schools you are considering for more information about available financial aid, applications, and deadlines.

Yes, there are resources available. It is recommended you locate the office that administers the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Dislocated Worker Program in your city and/or state. The office is different in every state; however, places like Job Service and Job Source could be potential participants. The WIA Program can help pay for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses. Lastly, contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend to discuss how your financial situation has changed. The financial aid offices may be able to adjust your financial aid offer to reflect your or your family’s current income.

You should contact the holder(s) of your student loans. If you do not know who the holder(s) of your loans are, go to Studentaid.gov, log into your account dashboard and scroll down to the “My Loan Servicers” section. You may also call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243 for assistance.

You will be able to see who holds your loans and who you need to contact about setting up payment arrangements to return your loans to good standing. Unless the outstanding loan amount is paid in full, you must arrange to make six consecutive, full, on-time, voluntary payments to return defaulted student loans to good standing and regain eligibility for federal financial aid. Another option is to consolidate your student loans with Federal Direct Student Loans (Direct Loans).

If you want to attend school while restoring your loans to repayment status, you will need to check with your school to see if it will set up a payment plan for you for your institutional charges. Each school is different, so you need to check this before enrolling to know your options. You should also apply for any scholarships that are available.

If you file the FAFSA and meet all applicable eligibility criteria, you will be able to borrow a Direct Loan. Your credit is not considered when you apply for a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan or Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Some schools have on-campus daycare facilities available for their students. Check on this while you are going through the admissions process to see if you need to get on a waitlist. You might also want to consider taking online courses that allow you the flexibility to take courses without leaving your home. Some states also have agencies that will help cover the cost of daycare during the hours you are in class. It is best that you check with your school to see what kind of resources might be available to you. Talk with the financial aid office about having dependent care expenses (including daycare costs) added to your budget so financial aid can help cover the cost.

Depending on the size of the school and the city where it is located, you might be able to use public transportation. There are also programs available in some states that will help provide gas money for students. Another option is the availability of taking online coursework. The budget used to calculate your eligibility for financial aid will include an allowance for transportation. However, the budget may never include the cost of purchasing or leasing an automobile.

Check with your local housing authority regarding low-income housing options and the availability of Section 8 housing vouchers. There is also good information from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding resources for housing. Some campuses also provide resident halls or family housing which might be more affordable than off-campus housing. Your financial aid budget includes an allowance for housing, so your financial aid can be used to help pay rent.

If you do not have a computer, go to your local library. It probably has one with internet access you can use for free. If you are unfamiliar with using the internet there are many websites that can help you, including LearnFree.org. This website helps you with computer, internet, and software basics. It is ok to ask for help!

Your state may also offer a FAFSA completion event, e.g., College Goal Sunday, FAFSA Completion Challenge. Financial aid professionals volunteer to help students file FAFSAs at these events. Contact your local college or search the internet for a program located near you.

If your income will be reduced when you start school, you should contact your financial aid office right away. They may ask you for documentation of the change in your income to project your financial resources for either the academic or calendar year. The financial aid office may use this information to recalculate your eligibility for financial aid.

Bankruptcy does not affect your eligibility for financial aid. Federal financial aid programs like the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are provided based on financial need and educational costs, not your credit standing.