Thanks for checking out this post because I could really use some advice.
I want to get into the construction business and eventually build up my own business building tiny homes and sustainable homes.
I can not get enough aid for school nor can I get any private loans out without a cosigner which I can not attain. I am 21 years old and living on my own without parental assistance yet my FAFSA requires my parents income information to determine if I am eligible in their eyes for aid. Because of this I was only granted 5,500 in federal aid…
I am currently enrolled at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, PA in their Interior Design associates program because it is the closest and cheapest Interior Design program in my area. I chose Interior Design to go into first and then I would go off elsewhere for Environmental Design and Sustainable Architecture… But I may have to withdrawal from this school already because I can not get the funding.
The school cost for just commuting is about 23,400 a year with book fees included. They have awarded me at PHEAA grant of almost 2k and their own Harcum Interior Design grant of 3500 as well as their work study program that would give me 1500. With that and my federal aid, that only covers about 12,500 which means I need at least 11k more to pay the tuition.
What advice I am looking for is, is there any kind of aid I can get for being a 21 year old independent? Should I even go to school or should I self teach myself these things and hope for the best? Is there any cheap online schooling for these kind of fields or any other outlet I could possibly get into to learn the trade and the field???
I want to start a business, whether it be for profit or non profit, that builds sustainable homes and sustainable tiny homes and create sustainable communities for the homeless and any other people who want to live a sustainable lifestyle…
Any and all advice and counseling is appreciated, thank you!!!
Kudos to you for setting this goal for yourself and taking action! Have you checked any community colleges or tech schools for courses related to construction management? Maybe a course or two (not necessarily committing to a major) would be beneficial and you maybe able to hold down a full-time job at the same time. You haven’t mentioned work experience, but if you have not been working in the construction field, perhaps finding a job in that, whether hands on or in the office might be a way to get some experience and find out if that’s really what you want. I would not continue in the interior design program–probably not worth the expense and I don’t think that major will really give you the knowledge you need. Good luck!
Thank you, you are the first person to actually be encouraging and give me advice. (I have posted this on other forums as well and have gotten nothing but discouraging criticism for applying places I can’t afford).
I do occasionally work for a family friend who owns his own construction/restoration service so I have some experience in the field already. Mainly my boyfriend works for him, but when I have a free day I go out and help lay tile, flooring, put up walls, etc. My boyfriend and I want to get into a business like this together, and I want to learn the design aspect of it. He already has a business degree, but I would like to get one too as well as a design degree.
I have thought about getting a trade degree in CAD at a technical school, but I still don’t know if I would be able to afford it the ones in my area. I live in PA in the Pottstown area. The closest technical school that offers CAD is Berks Technical Int.
Thank you for your encouraging response, it is greatly appreciated!
Have you considered Drexel? They seem to offer many financial solutions for adult and non-traditional students – part time, evening, co-op, on-line etc. I would suggest that you make an appointment to sit down with someone in their financial aid department to discuss your specific situation.
Drexel has a solid architecture school that offers two tracks: a part-time evening option and a 2 year full time + 4 year co-op option.
The 2+4 architecture track requires 2 full years of study + 4 years of co-op; however financial aid is available for the 2 year portion. You’d have to contact Drexel directly to find out what you might be eligible for.
You might also look at Penn State. I know College Park is some distance from Pottstown, but Penn State seems to be structured to help adult students and returning students, and they have a very good architecture school. According to Penn State’s website you would qualify as an adult learner if you were “returning to school after four or more years of employment, homemaking, or other activity.”