Where is the best place to find out about financial aid?

[Lindagerr]

I have never looked into anything about financial aid before, because I live in NJ and my husband had a decent job and I figured federal aid would just laugh at me.

Now my husband is out of a job, I only substitute part time, I have a disabled son and another son in CC. So... I am wondering if I apply for financial aid might I have a chance?

Anyway I don't even know where to get more info. Is there one good sight that might help me understand it all. Money and finance are not my strong points.

[larry7crys]

Start here and see how much federal aid you are able to get. Where are you going or planning on going to school? FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

[Lindagerr]

That sort of answered my question. All the FA is calculated on 2008 income. We were fine in 2008.

My husband has been out of work since May 2009 and my TESC tuition renewal is due by Oct 31. I am afraid if I don't renew I will go under there new guidelines and then I might have to rethink my whole degree plan.

I am only 1 course and several test away from my goal, I don't want to give up. I may have to find a way to beg, borrow or ?? the $1300 I think I can finish with in one more year if I step things up. I really wasted a good part of this year procrastinating and unfocused.

[alleycat]

It really stinks that TESC does not have a payment plan like the other two. It would make life just a bit easier for many. It would make them even more competitive because the cost of enrollment at TESC is higher then COSC and EC. The only reason I really went with them is because they have more of a degree selection.

Linda even if your income was okay on your tax returns from 2008, they can look at your income now and base your award on that. It takes alittle work but it can be done. Remember you will have to be enrolled in 6 credits per semester to get aid. You might be able to get a Pell Grant or they might just offer you loans. But get your FAFSA done on line today. Don't waste anymore time.

[HedyBrown]

You can ask to have your FAFSA calculated based on your present circumstances. I would call them and explain that your 2008 returns don't reflect your actual circumstances. I don't know the process, but I have a friend who lost his job in November of 2008 (so his returns were just fine) and he had them calculate based his status as of March 09.