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Home › Articles › Career Matters › Off to School Moms Go

Off to School Moms Go

Returning to the Classroom

By Sue Marquette Poremba

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  • Loans. There are federal loans available especially for college students, or potential students can look into banks and lending institutions.
  • Grants. The federal Pell Grant is best known, but see if your state also offers grants. Unlike loans, grants don't have to be paid back.
  • Federal Work Study. If you qualify for work study, you'll have to earn your money by working at a campus job. The financial aid office usually has a list of work study jobs available.

    • The amount of financial aid monies available is determined by income and assets from the tax year prior to the start of school, according to Alisa LeSueur, a certified college planning specialist. She adds that it is important to remember that child support money is considered income when you're applying for financial aid, and it may lessen the amount you are eligible to receive. Also, if you work, check with your employer to see if your company offers educational benefits.

    Going to the Head of the Class
    You've made the decision and decided to further your education. To increase your chances for success:
    • Make it clear to your family that you will need their cooperation.
    • Set up a regular time and place to study. If your children are in school, arrange study time together.
    • Set up regular time to do fun things. Being a student on top of running a household can be overwhelming. Carve out time each day to play with the kids and be alone with your spouse. And don't forget to schedule regular dates with friends. They'll keep you sane.
    • Introduce yourself to each instructor at the end of the first class and explain your life situation. It won't exempt you from hard work, but if the instructor knows of your other responsibilities, he is likely to be more understanding if you have to miss a class due to work or a sick child.
    It's not easy, but, as Niemi Johnson says, she has never met a mom who regretted going back to school. "Their only regret is that they didn't start sooner," she says.
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