2nd Bachelors aid please...

<p>Ok, I actually have 2 Bachelors in Business from IU Kelley School of business (in IN) from back in 2005. I got sucked into Sales right after college and now I hate it more than anything, I want out, and I can no longer use my current degrees to move into any other field. I have decided to switch careers and go back to school at Purdue University (through the same school IUPUI in IN) and obtain a degree in Engineering. My parents paid 100% of my degrees from IU, I used zero financial aid. </p>

<p>I have come to find out through research that Stafford loans might be my only option??? Even though I never used aid the first time around? If this is the case, can I still use the Stafford Loans to pay for 100% of my school? I will not have any extra money to pay anything other than rent and food during school, maybe my books. I am hoping 2.5 years is all I need to finish the degree. </p>

<p>Does anyone know if my situation is different, or because I already have a Bachelors regardless of prior use of financial aid that I could be SOL... Oh I'm 35 years old, not sure if that matters...</p>

<p>You can borrow Stafford Loans. But that is it unless the university in question has some scholarships for which you would be eligible.</p>

<p>Can you get a job at that university? Most places offer free tuition and fees for staff members. Check the jobs page at the university’s website, and see if there are any reasonable matches. Also check to see what kind of job you could land elsewhere within commuting distance of campus. Working full-time and studying part-time may be the best way for you to finish this second degree.</p>

<p>Can you get into a graduate program? You may have to take a lot of ‘prerequisites’ of science and math, but you won’t have to take all the gen ed classes, and since you would be a grad student, the grad student financial aid will apply.</p>

<p>Well there isnt really a Grad program that is similar. The program I am going for is called MotorSports Engineering. Its is a very specific engineering degree. They currently do not have a Grad degree that has this same core education. I do plan on working part time. I only want the aid to cover the cost of school. Hopefully I can start at least at a Sophomore level and use the Stafford loans.</p>

<p>Why are you considering a major with such a small area of application? That could make it very difficult to find a job afterward.</p>

<p>So, this won’t be your second bachelors; it will be your third. With 2 already done, I don’t understand why you can’t use them. A degree doesn’t expire like a license or certification for some jobs. Couldn’t you look to work in the motor sports field but the business end or something, and not need to go into debt on yet another degree? Were you excellent at math the first time around?</p>

<p>It is highly unlikely you will be able to pay for your entire THIRD bachelors degree with Direct Loans. There is an annual limit on these loans.</p>

<p>can I still use the Stafford Loans to pay for 100% of my school?</p>

<p>Would you be considered a Junior? If so, then you can borrow about $12k per year for your last 2 years.</p>

<p>It doesn’t matter that you “didn’t use FA before.” The system isn’t set up so that EVERYONE can get FA at some point in their life. lol You have at least one Bachelors. That’s what aid is designed for…for needy people who don’t have ANY bachelors degrees.</p>

<p>MotorSports Engineering.</p>

<p>??? What is that?</p>

<p>So you have two degrees that don’t work for you, and now you plan on getting an expensive degree in motorsports engineering. Who is advising you? This narrow field choice won’t keep you employed and then you’ll want a 4th degree. Is it a passion area? If you were wealthy, I would say go for it, but . . . . . If you need money, you’re going to be repaying your loans until well beyond retirement.</p>

<p>Good luck with the MotorSports! And remember, it’s never too early to begin planning for that 4th bachelors.</p>

<p>You shouldnt limit yourself to only schools with motorsports programs.
Look for aero/mechanical engineering schools as well.
Are you interested in working for a racing team?
What experience have you had to make you think this is a better fit?</p>