What is the process of trying to qualify for financial aid?  Do I have to choose a school first, register with that school, be accepted, and then apply for financial assistance?  Or, can I fill out my paperwork to get aid, and then choose a school, etc?  I would like to know first if I will even be eligible to receive assistance before applying and registering with one particular school. 

Thanks!

Jen

No, you get your last year's tax return information (you do have that right?) and you sit down and complete a FAFSA http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ you can leave the school code blank until you have chosen a school and it will save your profile.  Once you enter the school code then your school will be able to see your information and before you know it, you're magically in debt like the rest of us, educated and broke it's the American way.  ;)

Yes, I do have that.  However, I don't think I will begin school until next year.  We're having our second child in August.  So, I think it would be most wise to wait until next year to begin. 

Thanks for the info.  Well, if I stay on the track I'm on, I'll be in debt anyway.  Hey, why not be educated and in debt!! 

 Ha ha.  You're funny, by the way.  Thanks for all of your help.

 

Jenna

In that case you'll have to fill one out for next year too.  I don't think you have to rebuild your profile or anything though, you just update your info.

To answer your question about eligibility, generally speaking if you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and aren't in default on an existing student loan you're guaranteed access to loans to pay tuition and fees.  With those same conditions, if your income is low enough you're also eligible for Pell grants.

If you like you can wait until you've decided which school you're attending before doing all this, and if so their financial aid people will be delighted to help you through it.

-=Steve=-

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B.S., Info Sys, Charter Oak State College
M.A., Educational Tech Leadership, George Washington University
Doctor of Health Education, A.T. Still University, in progress