OK Guys, I have a dilema. I am not going to be able to afford all the cleps and what not to get my diploma that way. Also, I am finding problems with certain colleges accepting so many clep credits, so this is what I have decided to do, if it is possible. This will put me WAY in debt, YES...but its the way I have choosen if I can just figure out how. Trying to figure it out BEFORE I go talk to a counselor and end up wasting my time. I am 25 years old, married, and a Father of 2. I have mainly retail management experience and have owned a small business for awhile. I want to go back to school to get my Commercial Avaiation License REAL bad. I am at the moment out of a job, so I am figuring now is a good as time as any to do this. I would like to get a part time job and go to school full time, and am hoping to get a loan large enough to help float me through it. Wife wants to do the same thing, if possible. What do you guys think, I am sure alot of you have looked into this type of thing. I as well know that this is a "DISTANCE LEARNING" forum, but I am not sure where else to turn. Thanks Guys (and Gals). Aj
Hi AJ25MS I am a pilot/flight instructor working on my bachelor. What I recommend is this: 1. Start your flight lessons first. (This will give you many college credits) 2. While you are working on your FAA certificates, try to take as much general education CLEP, DSST, TESC and ECE tests as it is possible for you. ( Math, English, Science and so forth) 3. Depending on what you have done to this point, select a program that you can use your credits. Look into some of this, as I find them the best: Mountain State University (BS Aviation leadership and management) Everglades College (Professional Aviation) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (BS in Professional Aeronautics) Thomas Edison State College (BS in Applied Sciences) I have personally taken courses at Everglades College and Mountain State University. I recommend them both; however the best know is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Also look into Thomas Edison State College which does not have a residency requirement.
Hi AJ: Re: Loans - it is not the best route to go, but with rates the way they are now, it's not a bad route to consider. First thing to do is fill out the FAFSA form. It's available online http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ No matter what you decide, you will have to have completed this form. It's free so all you invest is your time. You are too late for most of the grant money (deadline is usually in February or March) for the coming school year, but loan money can usually be gotten no matter when you apply. The school you plan to attend will determine how much you can borrow so try to narrow your choices down so you can include them on the FAFSA when you fill it out. You can however go back and forward the information later. Loans can cover living expenses. Even though your award letter may "award" less than you need, some schools will allow you to borrow the total tuition plus living expenses. Start checking with a few schools now. Most of the time their policies are listed on their websites. Also, don't be afraid to talk to the advisors and ask for more if you don't get enough. They can, in their discretion, offer you more in some cases. On a personal note, my husband and I with 4 small kids went back to school many years ago and did what you are doing - got loans that covered the tuition and living expenses. It is the only way we would have been able to afford it. We don't regert it. Good luck. Mary
You may be out of time for Grant money this year but if your situation stays the same (part time work, two adults in school, two kids) then you will certainly have the opportunity for Grant money next year. (Assuming you don't already have your 1st bachelors) This will cut down on what you have to pay back later. Many have done what you are thinking of doing and it is not a bad option. Yes you may have a large loan in the end but with student loan consolidations and longer pay back periods, it is manageable. (As far as a monthly payment, not looking at the total you will have to pay back.) As long as you don't drown in other debts (expensive cars, credit cards, etc) then you should do fine. Duff
