08-17-2024, 07:26 PM
Hi guys, I just got approved for FAFSA and would like some guidance on the next steps. I’m ready to work on some credits via sophia, study, etc. I don't have a high school diploma in the US or any credits so, I'm starting from scratch.
I've been in the glazing industry for over 17 years with no degree and wanted to pursue a degree in something related like engineering. I only found two institutions with construction engineering programs relevant to my line of work: for hands on work, civil engineering at Liberty University-130 credits @ $390-400; for climbing the corporate ladder, engineering management at ASU-120 credits @ $710. Both programs around 3.5-4 years. The first obstacle was the admission without a High school diploma. I only have my diploma from Colombia 22 years ago. I'm a US citizen but haven't had any formal education in the US. So, is it worth it to get my international diploma translated and evaluated by the universities or just get an GED?
I understand that in order to be below $10k per year, I may need to consider other avenues and change my major altogether. if that's the case, then computer science, software engineering or even the accelerated IT bachelor/master at WGU. Honestly, after all my research, I'm more educated about the process but at the same time, very confused. I was aiming for the more prestigious colleges without knowing the other great online regional accredited schools available. Any guidance on a realistic roadmap would be greatly appreciated.
Your Location: Florida, United States.
Your Age: 42
What kind of degree do you want?: Undecided. This is my rationale but really want to know what you think. Based on intro above, I believe I have three paths:
#1: Grow within the design and architectural team. Based on my construction and engineering experience a degree in civic or architectural engineering would be ideal. I found engineering degrees at ASU and LU, but admissions, cost and length are issues for now.
#2: Transition into the exec team. Since getting into engineering is problematic at this time, I would consider a business admin or management degree from a college that I can hack credits into. Maybe WGU or any of your recommendations.
#3: Career change into what I really wanted for years. Computer engineering, software engineering or any VR/AR development degrees. SO, it comes to experience vs opportunity for higher paying career. Will it make sense to stay in the construction industry and climb the ladder or will I be better compensated in the IT industry at entry or mid level?
Current Regional Accredited Credits: N/A
Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: N/A
Any certifications or military experience? N/A
Budget: Pell grant approved=$7,300. FAFSA loan approved for $9,500 max (to be repaid). I'd like to go the cheapest route possible and only use the Pell grant money but will consider using the FAFSA loan amount. Don't want to get into too much debt.
Question about FAFSA: Will the $7,300 Pell grant money be replenished every year cycle after I reapply? Or, is it just a one time deal?
After reading the terms for the Pell grant, I found out that the grant can only be used for bachelors but, will the accelerated IT bachelors/masters WGU degree be acceptable since is one accelerated program?
Commitments: Wife and kids. I currently work full time and can study full time in the evenings/weekends.
Dedicated time to study: I can study as much as is needed during the night or weekends. I estimate at least 2 hours every week night and on the weekends, around 5 hours each day, for a total of 20 hours. I can do more is needed to get a few extra credits.
Timeline: Finishing the courses required for the degree as fast as possible would be ideal. I would like to finish within 1-1.5 years (12-18 months)
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: N/A
I've been in the glazing industry for over 17 years with no degree and wanted to pursue a degree in something related like engineering. I only found two institutions with construction engineering programs relevant to my line of work: for hands on work, civil engineering at Liberty University-130 credits @ $390-400; for climbing the corporate ladder, engineering management at ASU-120 credits @ $710. Both programs around 3.5-4 years. The first obstacle was the admission without a High school diploma. I only have my diploma from Colombia 22 years ago. I'm a US citizen but haven't had any formal education in the US. So, is it worth it to get my international diploma translated and evaluated by the universities or just get an GED?
I understand that in order to be below $10k per year, I may need to consider other avenues and change my major altogether. if that's the case, then computer science, software engineering or even the accelerated IT bachelor/master at WGU. Honestly, after all my research, I'm more educated about the process but at the same time, very confused. I was aiming for the more prestigious colleges without knowing the other great online regional accredited schools available. Any guidance on a realistic roadmap would be greatly appreciated.
Your Location: Florida, United States.
Your Age: 42
What kind of degree do you want?: Undecided. This is my rationale but really want to know what you think. Based on intro above, I believe I have three paths:
#1: Grow within the design and architectural team. Based on my construction and engineering experience a degree in civic or architectural engineering would be ideal. I found engineering degrees at ASU and LU, but admissions, cost and length are issues for now.
#2: Transition into the exec team. Since getting into engineering is problematic at this time, I would consider a business admin or management degree from a college that I can hack credits into. Maybe WGU or any of your recommendations.
#3: Career change into what I really wanted for years. Computer engineering, software engineering or any VR/AR development degrees. SO, it comes to experience vs opportunity for higher paying career. Will it make sense to stay in the construction industry and climb the ladder or will I be better compensated in the IT industry at entry or mid level?
Current Regional Accredited Credits: N/A
Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: N/A
Any certifications or military experience? N/A
Budget: Pell grant approved=$7,300. FAFSA loan approved for $9,500 max (to be repaid). I'd like to go the cheapest route possible and only use the Pell grant money but will consider using the FAFSA loan amount. Don't want to get into too much debt.
Question about FAFSA: Will the $7,300 Pell grant money be replenished every year cycle after I reapply? Or, is it just a one time deal?
After reading the terms for the Pell grant, I found out that the grant can only be used for bachelors but, will the accelerated IT bachelors/masters WGU degree be acceptable since is one accelerated program?
Commitments: Wife and kids. I currently work full time and can study full time in the evenings/weekends.
Dedicated time to study: I can study as much as is needed during the night or weekends. I estimate at least 2 hours every week night and on the weekends, around 5 hours each day, for a total of 20 hours. I can do more is needed to get a few extra credits.
Timeline: Finishing the courses required for the degree as fast as possible would be ideal. I would like to finish within 1-1.5 years (12-18 months)
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: N/A
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