let’s say a kid gets a bachelors, doesnt like the job opps or the field, and wants to pick up another degree. And kid is 24 and basically independent, and hadnt had any pell grants or student loans with the first bachelors.
is that kid eligible for aid? or is it just with the first degree? thanks
Federal aid, except unsubsidized loans, is only available for first degree.
Many colleges give no instititional aid to second bachelor’s students either.
Also, a second bachelors is not the only, nor necessarily the best way to engineer a career change. One way is to get a starter job in the new area, take the requisite classes and apply for a masters in the field.
ok. thanks. just trying to help kiddo figure some things out. she sits in her classes - wishing she was in painting classes. I grew up the daughter of a “starving artist” and just feel concerned with that direction/changing majors. thought maybe she could get another degree down the line in the arts. . . .
She could not graduate, and continue as an undergrad. Some schools only award 8 semesters of financial aid. Pell is good for about 12 semesters. There are a lot of pieces to consider.
If her current degree program is not completely objectionable to her, maybe she should just finish it and get herself a decent day job that would pay for her art classes.
Does she need a second degree, or does she just need studio art classes? That is a field where a college degree isn’t always needed.
She should apply for a graduate degree in art instead. If she is lacking undergrad art credits required for the master’s program, she can take those classes only. There is no need for a second BA or BFA. She will be expected to have about 24 to 30 credits in art and art history for most programs. For most programs she will need to have a portfolio for admission. She should focus on creating a body of work, taking enough art classes for credit and not worry about a second degree. As a grad student she can qualify for financial aid and grants.
In your post #4, you say that your D just sits in her classes wishing she was painting. If she’s still working on her first UG degree, why doesn’t she just change majors? If she hasn’t had any FA yet, she may get some. The aid is good for 8 semesters, but I don’t know why you couldn’t get it for semesters 3 - 10, for instance, if you didn’t get it for semesters 1 and 2.