Going Back to College as an Adult? What you should know about the FAFSA

Adults over the age of 40 who are going back to school or attending college for the first time should complete a FAFSA in order to determine what types of federal aid are available. There are a number of programs offered by the US Department of Education such as grants, scholarships, loans and work study. Even adults who are returning to school to finish professional degrees and may think they are able to afford to pay for college out of their pockets should reconsider and fill out a FAFSA. This is because it is very expensive to attend college, and there are fees and expenses involved beyond just the standard tuition costs. Books, supplies, equipment, laboratory fees, various membership fees and dues, required software programs, required health insurance, and many other expenses mean that it’s a wise idea to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Filling out a FAFSA will determine eligibility for a number of different programs. The most beneficial- grants, consist of monetary awards that never have to be repaid. There are usually a number of requirements in order to get the grants, and they may be available at many other places besides the school and the federal government: businesses, corporations, foundations, civic groups, charitable organizations, private individuals, and state and local government agencies also offer grants in some cases.

The same groups listed above may also provide scholarships. However, most scholarships available through schools or by filling out a FAFSA are generally for students who are under age 24. As a result, adult students should seek outside sources of scholarships for returning or mature students.

Even adults can qualify via the FAFSA for work study programs. This enables a student to work in a field relative to their degree path while being able to earn money to pay for educational costs. This is especially useful for adults that are returning to school with the intention of being retrained in a new field.

Finally, nearly everyone regardless of age can qualify via the FAFSA for federal loans to cover college expenses. Terms and interest rates are very favorable and allow even the busiest mature student the ability to fund their education and improve the lives of their families and communities.