Hello,
This may be a bit long, so please bare with me! I’ve been in college off and on since I graduated high school in 2011. However, I will be attending my local community college for spring 2016 and moving forward. My goal is to become a vet tech and there are not many schools that offer it in my area. My best bet is a community college that is 3 hours away. With that being said, I will obviously have to live out there and off campus since this community college (along with most) do not offer any housing options. Ideally, I would like to move before fall 2016 semester to the new school to get settled and will do one semester there to finish two more basic classes (I’d rather pay out of district tuition for a couple of classes VS a full time student load since I’d gain residency after thirty days)
I was curious as to what my options were for financial aid at this new school? One of my friends went to an out-of-state university and told me she used loans and not to worry, but I know community colleges pay out a lot less. Obviously, my main concern is paying for rent, as I’m not sure how much a community college would give for housing. I do plan to work part-time, but that will not cover rent, utilities, and all of my other bills.
If it helps I am currently 23 years old (Will be 24 years old next year in November) and only qualified for an unsubsidized loan for spring 2016 since my mother and step-father make too much money. (I’ve never needed loans before due to help, but it is no longer an option) Would I be considered an independent students starting fall 2016? If so, would I be able to receive subsidized loans? I have no idea if dependency status would change the type of loans received, as I know they can definitely change the amount a little bit.
The program I plan to transfer into will not take all of my previous college credits- will my year status change for school and the amount I can receive in aid? For example, at my local community college I am considered a sophomore due to having over 30 credits. However, when I transfer the new school is only transferring the credits that are required. I hope that last question made sense!
Thank you.
Keep in mind not all community colleges participate in the loan program. What about your home state? You are talking about oos tuition and then housing, that is way too much money to borrow.
No, the transfer school would be out-of-district tuition. Both schools are in Illinois.
Out of state or instate (you say district and I don’t know what that means.
Some CC have tuition waivers depending on income. You will be independent when you are 24 you will have to look at the federal aid pages and see which semester you qualify for depending on birthdate. For instance CA has Board of Governor’s waivers for low income students.
After that there is Federal Pell Grant up to 5,770. And independent students can take large loans but be aware you will be paying a lot for a long time and it will likely be uncomfortable or impossible to live on if you take the full amount. Also loans amount depends on how many classes you are enrolled in.
Dependent / Independent
freshman 5,500 / 9,500
sophomore 6,500 / 10,500
jr 7,500 / 12,500
sr 7,500 12,500
Out of state would literally be another state. Out of district tuition is due to the fact that I do not live in that area, as I live 3 hours away. I know the year amounts, but i’m not sure if my status would change due to the transfer school not transferring all of my credits.
I do want to add that my program is only an associates degree!
How much will this school cost you per year?
I would be out-of-district for one semester, which will total a little over $2,000. The program itself should be about $6,000.00 (Since I will get residency) for tuition not including books, supplies, etc.
It’s listed that the program will cost under $14,000.00 for general education courses, program tuition, supplies, etc. However, all of my general education classes will be done which will definitely lower the cost.
If this is your second year of college, you will get a $6500 Direct Loan IF your college participates in the Direct Loan program.
It is possible you will be independent for financial aid the second year as you will be 24. That would get you an additional $4000 a year in loans. And you might qualify for the Pell Grant…hard to say without knowing your income.
Yes, the school participates in the Direct Loan program.
Not all of my previous college credits will transfer, so I will be going to the new school with under 30 credits. I’m not sure how financial aid would work in that case and what they would consider me since I was already considered a sophomore at my local community college.
My income is pretty low with working part-time currently and I’m not expecting that to change too much with relocating.
Would I have a fair amount of loans to help cover rent? Again, I do not plan to live off of loans, but will need some help.