Daily Aid 42: Tuition and preparedness, jobs, mailbag

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Daily Aid 42: Tuition and preparedness, jobs, mailbag

25 November 2008 1 views No Comment

Daily Aid 42: Tuition and preparedness, jobs, mailbag

Student Financial Aid News

A few days ago, the state of South Carolina’s student loan agency announced that it would no longer be able to meet private student loan needs beginning as early as spring of 2009. As always, feel free to check out www.PrivateStudentLoans.com, a Student Loan Network site, for additional options.

One of the quieter discussion topics at the recent MASFAA conference was on the topic of preparedness for college. It was pointed out by many that if you’re academically unprepared for college, you’re better off doing some preparatory work in a community college or other transitional program rather than pay full tuition and expenses for an extra year of catching up to other peers. If you’re not sure you’re ready for college, take an online course or even a free course in iTunesU to judge for yourself. If you feel lost after even just a couple of sessions, it may be an indicator that you need to do some transition work – and you won’t have to pay full price.

From NASFAA:

“The national and regional recession is putting many college students in a stagnant position: They may not be able to afford college because their family households are losing income, but then they may struggle to find jobs once they do graduate,” The Citizen-Times reports. “According to Marjorie Ellis, director of career planning at Appalachian State University, the job market is down, and it’s showing on campus. The Career Development Center has had a couple of companies cancel interviews citing the current state of the economy and the effect it is having on their business.”

Changing times require changing measures to stay ahead of the pack. Make sure you check out our Killer Cover Letter eBook and LinkedIn techniques video to keep your career prospects moving ahead.

Scholarship Update

Today’s feature is the Amigas Latinas for College directory, a well organized niche scholarship directory focusing just on Hispanic women’s scholarships.

Details at our free college scholarship search site.

Mail Bag

Fawn writes in:

I am an US citizen but I would like to go to grad school abroad, can I still qualify for financial aid?

It depends on the graduate school. A select few schools are Title IV certified, which means they’re recognized by the US government and US financial aid can be applied there. Some other foreign schools also have tuition agreements with US universities, where you pay your bills at a US school but attend overseas. Check with the school you’re thinking about attending for more information.

Adri writes in:

What paper work is required to show to prove that I am supporting myself?

Typically, for a professional judgement override, a financial aid administrator will ask to see rent, utilities bills, and other forms of identification which establish you living on your own at a separate place from your parents.

Mel writes in:

I am a 22 year old student. I have been living on my own for 3 years and yes I have had the FAFSA problem. I say if I am old enough to gamble money in Vegas, I should be old enough to be considered an Independent person. Who made this law? Why 24? My parents don’t pay anything for me nor do they have the money to pay for school. I tried the override thing but schools are tougher than ever and I didn’t get any help. I have a friend who had parents pass away and I am helping her. She lives with me and I am supporting more than 50%. Will this be considered in my FAFSA? Have any advice?

The law was made by Congress in the Higher Education Act and regulatory interpretation set up by the US Department of Education. If your financial aid advisor was unable to help, you may want to approach your school’s director of financial aid with the appropriate documentation and make your case there. Be prepared with tons of paperwork!

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