Yes, I’ve gone to the financial aid offices at my community college and at a couple of the 4-years I’m looking to transfer to. The answers I’ve gotten range from “Well, it depends onyourindividualsituationfilloutthisform…” to “Well, DUH!”- no real help.
Background: I originally went to a local, east coast, cheap, state college right out of high school in the mid-80s. I may have gotten a small scholarship and/or a grant, but that’s the extent of any financial aid that I remember. I really wasn’t too involved in the process; I gave my parents my summer job earnings and they made up the difference. Something like $1800 per semester for tuition, room and board, maybe.
Forward to 2004. Now on the west coast, California. My wife and I both have full-time jobs totaling around $40,000 a year; not great, but not hurting. One 8 year old kid. I took one evening class this past spring quarter- cost me about $80, the book could have been $100, but I found it online for $10. The eventual goal is to quit my FT job and hit school FT spring of 05, so my counselor said to fill out a FAFSA “just to see what happens”. I figured since I’m working, I wouldn’t be eligible for anything.
A couple weeks back, I get this check, Pell Grant I think it said, for $225! For a $100 class!? (Well, for me it was a surprise…) I’m thinking either it’s an error, or this may not be as difficult as I’d imagined. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth and all…
My questions: Is this kind of kickback normal? What can I expect to get when I leave my FT job and go to school FT? How about when I transfer to a more expensive UC or Cal State school? Will that difference be covered, or will this grant max out and other forms of financial aid kick in?
Much obliged…