I remember before filling out the college application, that FAFSA will pay for courses that are a 2-year program. But I think maybe I might not sign up for the AS degree and pursue a BS after Spring 2021 is over.
I was wondering does financial aid pay for courses I would like to choose at my CC before transferring to a 4-year University?
All I wanted to take is Physics 1,2,3 and Calc 2,3, differential equations, linear algebra, gen chem 1, and finally can relax from CC and move onto a University. Those courses I mentioned will total 36 Credit Hours I want on my academic transcript.
I have a feeling a lot will say no since it has to be in a degree program not just randomly jumping into courses.
IIRC, You must be enrolled as a matriculated student to receive the Pell Grant.
@kelsmom am I correct.
Why don’t you transfer to the four year college and take those courses towards your bachelors?
Adding you only have Pell eligibility for the equivalent of 6 years if college. You have already used up a bunch. Don’t waste your financial aid money taking courses…take courses in a degree program.
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Another consideration is universities require a minimum number of credit hours at their institution to earn a degree. I believe typically around 60 hours.
Yes enrolled in CC and final semester Spring 2021. But I wish they had an associate in general studies plus a minor attached to it to take some additional courses.
I’ve seen BS degrees that are worth 120 CH.
@napnemeanix what she is saying is you probably won’t be able to apply many more credit hours to the school where you transfer to get your bachelors. Most schools have a limit on what they will accept.
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That is correct. You can take the first 60 hours at CC and the last 60 hours at the 4-year college. The point I was making is that at least 60 hours must be taken at the 4-year college. For example, you can’t take 80 hours at CC and expect them to transfer and only take 40 hours at the university.
So I was agreeing with @thumper1 that it may make sense for multiple reasons to transfer and start working toward your bachelors.
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I know some courses I have won’t connect to a BS degree in Biology for example two CIS courses have nothing to do with biology, there just computer information systems, if it was a tech degree then they would transfer and match.
Regardless of the courses that will be accepted for transfer, you can only transfer a limited number of hours. You can easily look that up at whatever 4 year college you are considering. To continue taking courses at the CC will be wasting time and money.
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@napnemeanix
What state do you live in? And what is your budget annually for undergrad school. You got a GED in 2017. How old are you now? If under 26, the income and assets of your parents will need to be included on your financial aid forms.
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Have you discussed which four year colleges have articulation agreements with your community college with your advisor or transfer advisor there! If not, please do so.
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You mention UIC. Are you an Illinois resident? Can you commute to this college? If not, you need to consider living expenses as well as tuition and fees.
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Will your parents be able to help you with college costs at all? If you are eligible for the maximum Pell of just over $6000, your EFC is $0 which implies lower income.
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Are you over age 26?
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You’ve posted many threads repeatedly asking the same question, in slightly different forms. If you want to get a bachelor’s degree, you REALLY need to speak with the counselor at the community college about planning your transfer to a 4 yr college. If you want to earn a living in healthcare, you need to identify a certification program that will enable you to do so, and transfer into that.
Taking random classes at the community college, without a transfer plan in place, is a bad idea. Much better to formulate a plan, and follow that. Go speak with the counselor at your community college. Make an appointment.
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My bad I’m just trying to figure out scenarios. But my friend got a BS in Psychology and went to dental school to finish her DMD.
I’m very close to making up my list of thoughts.
I’m 28, I did my taxes separately when I left work, since I can’t be claimed on parents taxes as a dependent. Around Illinois UIC or Northeastern Illinois University might be the colleges I pick. I do qualify for low income since my EFC is 0 and they will cover me for a one time BS degree only.
How will your BS degree be covered? A Pell Grant plus the $7500 Direct Loan you would get are guaranteed. Does Illinois have additional Grant aid for low income students? If so, what is that?
The Pell and Direct Loan total per year would be about $13,700. Would that cover your costs at UIC or Northern Illinois? What about living expenses!
My financial aid department has taken a look at my profile and said you’ll be covered all the way till a bachelor’s degree, until you reach 600% of you’re lifetime Pell.
I live free with my parents so living expanses is not a problem.
A Pell Grant is just over $6000 per year…that’s it. How much are the tuition and fees at Northern and UIC?
I have to do a comparison and contrast between the tuition fees.
Both are very pricey.
I thought I posted the costs here. Let me find them!
I know I double. I have spoken to my financial aid department many times and I’m very thankful they will cover me for a BS degree 
They might increase the cost need since I fall under $0 EFC.
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Northeastern Illinois University/Undergraduate tuition and fees
In-state tuition 11,462
University of Illinois at Chicago/Undergraduate tuition and fees
In-state tuition 13,874 USD
With the Pell of $6495 and the $7500 Direct Loan, you are close for these two schools.
You will also need book and commuting cost money.
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