Thinking About Going Back To College?

ExpectingExecutive — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:21:10 -0500

Going back to college. Is it a question or a statement in your life? Just about every woman I know has either considered it or actually enrolled. Some of my friends participate in degree programs and others participate in "continuing education" classes and seminars at our local community colleges and universities.

In Janene White's paper, Adult Women in Community Colleges, she writes about the increase of adult women enrollment in community colleges. In it she cites many of the reasons women return to college is based on a "life changing event" such as; divorce, death of a spouse, children leaving home or personal career limitations. She goes on to discuss that many women return to school on a part-time basis for a variety of reasons but the most obvious are work and family obligations.

What I wanted to stress today is that if you are thinking about return to college, make sure that you talk to the school's financial aid department before you apply. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that there are numerous grant and scholarships available for adult women embarking upon or returning to college. Grants and scholarships usually require a minimum grade point average and are generally used to offset tuition costs. Some scholarships and grants may also allow for the payment of books, fees, room & board and even childcare! Please keep in mind that NOT ALL SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS REQUIRE YOU TO CLAIM FINANCIAL NEED.

Too many adult women overlook institutional, state and federal grants and scholarships because they feel they may not apply to them. Please do not make that mistake if you are considering returning to college. There are many companies and individuals who are eager to see their scholarships and grants support your college education.

After visiting the website or financial aid offices of your local college or university, I would also suggest that you visit one or more of free scholarship search website found below.  These sites will help you navigate through and find potential scholarships and grants that fit your demographic.

Some free scholarship search sites are:

          CollegeBoard

          Scholarship Resource Network

          The Scholarship Workshop

          SallieMae

It may seem like a paperwork hassle, but you might be pleasantly surprised by all of the individuals. companies and agencies out there willing to give you money to support your educational goals. Grants and scholarships...not just for college freshman anymore!

Until next time, be well!

Erin
www.ExpectingExecutive.com

It doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes a village to support a parent(s) raising a child!

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Thinking About Going Back To College?