<p>I earned an Associate's degree from a local community college about 6 years ago. I have put off getting a full Bachelor's degree since then.</p>
<p>Well I recently lost my job, so I'm thinking of returning to full time school.</p>
<p>The school I'm looking at is the University of Delaware. Approximate cost per year is $8700. I'm hoping my Associate's Degree and life experience can make this a 2 year process. But assuming it takes longer, and I am looking at a total cost of about, let's say, $25,000, and I can't get a dime in scholarship money, can federal Stafford loans cover that cost?</p>
<p>My credit rating is trash, so private loans are not likely. I'm 27, and I qualify as an independent student based on something I saw on the FAFSA site.</p>
<p>You do qualify as an independent student due to your age. You would be able to take out Stafford loans based on your year in school, up to the limit for year in school (depends on the credits that transfer) and lifetime limits. Here is a link with the amounts: Federal</a> Stafford loans from Sallie Mae</p>
<p>You may also be eligible for Pell grant, FSEOG (another federal grant), federal work study (earn as you go), and institutional grants based on your income.</p>
<p>Go to finaid.org & put your information into the financial aid calculator. You'll get an idea of what you may get in terms of aid.</p>
<p>Also, be aware if you used any federal monies for your associates, it will cut into what is available for you to finish your bachelors. The aggregate totals should be detailed on the website kelsmom cited.</p>