Financial Aid?

[Mil0]

Fair enough, but the difference here is just a couple thousand dollars spread out over a year.  He's still borrowing too much - even on the comprehensive plan.

Though TESU doesn't make it obvious, you can DECLINE all or part of the loans, it's not an all or nothing - what is in the chart is not required in order to tap into the Pell.  

I would recalculate the absolute minimum for the exact courses at a rate of 6 cr per term for just the classes needed.  Subtract the Pell $ and see the balance you'd have to cash flow.  I would not take the 2 extra TESU classes b/c in addition to the added cost (that you're borrowing) you'll have to buy books and spend 12 more weeks in school instead of working and earning money.

If you only need 6 classes, strike the last quarter and just do 3 quarters for starters.  Then at the VERY LEAST scratch the unsubsidized loan- omg never do one of those.  

ORIGINAL NUMBERS
Pell Grant                    4645.00  1161.00  1162.00  1161.00  1161.00  
Direct Subsidized St      4500.00  1125.00  1125.00  1125.00  1125.00  
Direct Unsubsidized      6000.00  1500.00  1500.00  1500.00  1500.00  

REVISED NUMBERS
Pell Grant                    3483.00  1161.00  1162.00  1161.00
Cash or subsidized       3645.00   1215.00 1215.00   1215.00

To cash flow and use the Pell, my math says you need to figure out how to come up with only $100 per week for 36 weeks.  I can think of 50 ways to make that happen instead of borrowing - the most obvious is to wait a term before enrolling and stockpile some cash.  Put something on ebay, have a yard sale, get mowing your neighbor's lawn and babysit their cat.   Trust me, when you graduate debt free, it will be worth the little bit of extra grind I'm suggesting.

Hey! Sorry, I've been afk for a bit. 

I only applied for the FAFSA to see if I'd be able to receive anything from the Pell grants. I'm not one to turn down "free money". I definitely don't plan on taking out any student loans as I am fortunate enough to be able to pay for school out of pocket. The only thing I don't understand with Pell grants is how they split them up. I know they have a lifetime cap which is why they split them out per term but if you only needed to take one term, why not let you have the entire thing for that term? 

The whole getting a degree thing is A) so I know how to help my daughter when she starts college and B) and just to prove to myself that I can do it. It will also help pave the way if I decide I want to go into SES in the federal government.

As always, I appreciate your input, Jennifer. You're a huge help! 

PS. I am a She.