Financial Aid?

[lilacskin]

For everyone that is doing the credit for exam route...are you really paying out of pocket? Is there any way to get financial aid for one of the 3 schools? I really want to graduate already but I can't afford to pay out of pocket, and if I do it will be a long process. Any advice?

[rebel100]

All three participate in F/A via FAFSA....but you will have to take classes it's not eligible for CLEP/DSST/SL.

Did you qualify for a PELL grant? I found COSC to be the best at working with my F/A needs. I was able to take self paced courses at CSU-Pueblo and COSC managed the delivery of funds.

You have to go to school part time (6 credits) to get a partial PELL Grant and full time (12 credits) to get the full amoun t per semester.

[Ubuntu_user]

You may be able to get a small amount with a Pell Grant, but don't expect it to cover say the TESC 3k enrollment fee. I qualified for a partial Pell Grant and that equates to only $375 per quarter, and unfortunately TECEPs don't count so in order to get it you have to take at least two guided study or online courses per quarter/semester. At least that's the way it is for me at TESC.

[BIPolarGuy]

Hi there!

First, financial aid will not directly pay for any cleps or dssts. However, if you qualify for FinAid, you can opt to attend a Community College for some classes while testing out of others using the Fin aid money that is left over.

For example, I am attending my CC with Full Time load (12 units for grants) and getting max Pell Grant which comes to $2750 a semster. So in one semster, after I pay for books and supplies, I have about $2300 to spend on Cleps. That covers (for me at $50 proctor fee +$80 tests) 17 tests plus a bit (51-69units depending on tests you take).

Here in Ca we have a BOG (Board of Governers) waiver as well that pays for tuition for state residents, so check your state for alternatives to federal grants.

Does your employer reimburse for tuition? If not, try asking, you never know what you can negotiate with employers. Explain the process to them, that it wont impact your time with them, and the benefits they get from having a well educated, motivated, happy employee. ( I did this and they are now paying for my cleps. and I am saving my fin aid for later fees at TESC)

As far as the Big three, they all have Fin Aid, if you qualify. I would caution you though to not take any loans if you can help it. Try to get it done with grants if at all possible. There is no reason to go into major debt for a BA/BS with this system.

edit: not to mention, ALeks is CHEAP for up to 5 courses in math (15 units) and can be done in about 1-2 months. Also, FEMA credits are free and depending on your degree can be up to 27 units. so dont look past those free credits!

So,to really answer your question, it depends on your situation and what you qualify for as to how much out of pocket you will need to spend.

Welcome and good luck!

Greg

[rebel100]

CC is definantly the place to stretch your dollars. If your local one isn't working try New Mexico Junior COllege or Clovis....2 of the best deals in education right now IMO.

If you have a grant anything over the school costs gets sent to you in a check.....you can take DSST/CLEP/SL/ALEKS out of that.