Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
FSEOG is a financial aid program that is administered directly by the admitting school. To apply for FSEOG, you must enroll in a school participating in these grant programs.
Once youve filled out your FAFSA form, your college determines your financial need. Your college will grant the FSEOG to students who have the most financial need.
You can get anywhere between $100 and $4,000 per year depending upon the following factors:
- Your financial need
- Other aids, grants, and scholarships that you are receiving
- Availability of funds at your school
The U.S Department of Education gives a certain amount as college grants to each school participating in the FSEOG program. Unlike Federal Pell that grants the amount direct to adult students, the financial aid office at your school grants FSEOG. You must visit the colleges website to check for application deadlines for campus-based funds.
Adult students returning to school can receive their grant in their student account through direct payment or a combination of both. You will receive the funds once per term .
If your school does not follow a term-based pattern, you will receive the funds at least twice a year.
Schools For Adults Going Back To College
In recent years, the fastest growing population of college students are over the age of 25 adults who wish to advance their careers, dropped out of or never attended college, single parents, military, and those looking to better their life are all choosing higher education. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, between 2000 and 2011 enrollment of students over the age of 25 rose by 41%. Regardless of the reason for pursuing higher education, we here at Best College Reviews have compiled a ranking of the schools that help make the college dream a reality by rating what adults are looking for in a college: flexibility, transfer options, online classes, and acceptance rate.
Transferring Previous College Credits
Prospective college students can reduce the cost and time commitment of their degree by taking advantage of transfer credit opportunities.
Individuals with an associate degree, for example, can fulfill about half of the credit requirements of a bachelor’s by transferring prior credits. To transfer credits, students submit official transcripts from their previous institution to their new institution, and work closely with an admissions advisor to ensure eligibility.
Transfer credit exceptions and issues may arise, however, and may be attributed to a difference in a school’s accreditation, core curriculum requirements, or mismatched course equivalencies. Check with your prospective school to ensure your prior credits can transfer.
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Are Online Degrees Quicker Than Traditional Programs
Accelerated programs allow students to complete their degrees quicker than traditional programs. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree while working full time may prefer to enroll on a part-time basis, which increases degree completion time.
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Choose The Right College
Once you know what degree youre going after youll have to make the decision of where to pursue your education. Different schools and programs will come with different costs. Its definitely worth comparing your options and opting for a lower cost school like a community college if thats an option.
You can also check into online schools if youre needing to work around an already busy schedule. Luckily, there are many options for busy adults with work and families to tend to.
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Scholarships For Adult Working Students
Nontraditional college students can locate a variety of scholarship opportunities online through a number of foundations, organizations, or private companies. Eligibility requirements may include one’s field of study, current employer, gaps in an educational timeline, organizational membership, age, or other life circumstances. Ten scholarship opportunities are listed below.
Who Can Apply: Eligible applicants include members of The American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion. They must pursue their degree in a trade, professional, or technical program, or a two- or four-year degree. Applicants must also submit FAFSA results. Amount: $2,000
What Should Older Adults Know About Paying For College
First, Id say to fill out the FAFSA . Theres often a lot more financial aid available than people know, but the way to find out whats available at the federal and state level is to fill out that FAFSA as soon as possible. In terms of whats available for students, it depends on the state, although all students across the country can qualify for federal Pell Grants. Many states have need-based programs, and many states are looking at ways to change their eligibility so that more adult students can access those funds. And in some states, such as Tennessee, groups are lobbying to make tuition free for older adults. College Promise programs across the country, when they first started, were geared toward high school graduates, but more of them are looking at ways to give those funds to older adults as well.
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Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College is renowned for its flexible transfer policy and online program options, ideal for older and nontraditional students. While many other institutions have credit transfer restrictions, meaning you may have to earn 30-45 more credits to finish your degree, Charter Oak honors all the credits you have earned previously. The time that has passed since you initially accrued them does not matter. They offer a variety of workforce-oriented programs in which students can earn their Associates, Bachelors, and Masters degrees, as well as certificate and credential programs.
Careers Worth Going Back To College For
The great thing about being an adult is that you’ve lived long enough not to plunge headfirst into a situation that is likely to bury you financially. Or at least you’re in the process of learning that lesson. Before you go any further, consider whether higher education is worth the cost of attending.
A Georgetown University study found that bachelor’s degree holders earn 84% more than those with a high school diploma over the course of their career. That said, if you’re over 40, you won’t have 40-50 years left to work and rake in that cash.
So, which careers are worth going back to college for? If you are staying in your current career, find out how much more money you can expect to make once you have a degree. If you are considering a new path, think about careers that will bring you both satisfaction and financial gain. Heres a sample of three that make the trip back to the classroom worth the effort:
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Indiana Institute Of Technology
It is no wonder that 69% of the students at Indiana Institute of Technology are over the age of 25, and 54% are enrolled in some form of distance education. The College of Professional Studies program is top-notch and an excellent choice for the adult learner. Classes begin every five weeks, and students can choose from evening, weekend, and online classes. This flexibility makes the dream of a college degree reality for the working adult. Indiana Institute of Technologys guiding principle is to combine education with real-world experience where students learn theory and practice from faculty who weave professional experience and firsthand knowledge into academically rigorous curricula. There is no doubt that the College of Professional Studies lives up to this principle.
The University Of Houston Downtown
The second largest university in the Houston area with over 14,000 students, the University of Houston Downtown is one of four public universities in the University of Houston System. UH-D offers many options for non-traditional students through off-campus programs. Whether it is online courses, live video instruction, hybrid courses, or traditional classroom instruction at a satellite campus, choices are plentiful for those driven to complete a college education. Students may take single courses or entire degree programs with the majority of instruction occurring remotely. Off campus, learners can take advantage of the academic support and student services available to all UHD students. Distance courses are a great choice for working adults they are as rigorous and content rich as courses offered in traditional classroom settings.
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College Of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevadas Online Campus offers hundreds of accredited online college courses in dozens of majors, 19 online associates degrees, 7 online Certificates of Achievement, 1 online Certificate of Completion, and 1 online bachelors degree. With its open acceptance policy, this a great pick for the student who doesnt have previous college credits, or a low, high school or college GPA. Students are supported while having the flexibility to earn credits one by one, or working towards an associates degree or certificate. The College of Southern Nevada Online serves over 10,000 students in any one semester, and 45% are over the age of 25, ranging in age from 16-62. Because of the partnership with the military, community colleges across the country, and universities worldwide, this is a great place to begin adult education, or to earn credits that can later be transferred into a four-year degree.
Looking Back To Look Forward
Once youve decided on a college or university, the next step is to document where youve been and what youve already accomplished its time to get your transcripts together. While that sounds simple, it often isnt.
Sometimes that process takes a while, Beltran says. That includes high-school transcripts and any college courses or transcripts.
Admissions advisors like Beltran can often find hidden gems in a transcript that can provide a head start toward finishing a degree. Things like AP classes and success on the CLEP test can give you college credit for what youve already accomplished.
We dont want you to lose out on what youre entitled to, she says.
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Apply For Financial Aid And Scholarships
Once youve been admitted, your first step in obtaining financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid . An advantage of the FAFSA is theres no age limit to apply. So whether youre 18 or 52, you can apply for federal student aid.
Next, reach out to your schools financial aid office with any questions you may have for now or the future. For example, you will need to know how your aid may change based on part-time or full-time student status. So, if you accept a monetary amount as a full-time student and later reduce your credit hours, you will need to know how that change may affect your award. Also, when estimating expenses dont forget to factor in transportation, course fees, and books.
Lastly, research scholarships, grants and prizes you may be eligible for. Check out Petersons scholarship search engine to access a list of awards applicable to you. Just type in your school, area of study, or location and receive instant results.
The decision to return to school as an adult isnt easy. For more advice on adjusting to life as a student, visit this blog post for tips on juggling family and classes, and learn how to connect with other students your age.
Tips For Adults Going Back To College
7 years ago
As an adult, going back to college presents a different set of challenges compared to recent high school graduates. Its never too late to begin or complete your college education. Here are 7 tips that will help you prepare for going back to college.
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Exchange Work Experience For College Credits
Since the average college-aged student is an adult many colleges have started allowing adult learners to cash-in their work like experience in exchange for college credits. While there will be a cap on the amount of credits you can get you should most definitely see if there are ways for you to cash in on your current knowledge.
GetEducated.com has an in-depth article with five different ways to turn your experience into credits.
What Are The Advantages Of Having Older Students In The Classroom
I think one of the most-often overlooked aspects of older students is the value they bring to classroom. One of our CCA Fellows, Matt Bergman, commented to me that he never wants to teach anyone but older adults. Theyre active learners, theyre attentive, they know why theyre there they have the confidence to ask questions, engage and integrate their earlier experiences in order to enhance learning and make deeper connections. And if I may share a personal anecdote, my husband just completed this process. He was a lawyer, and he went back to school to become a landscape architect. He just graduated this past spring, and in terms of comparing the two college experiences, he said that as an undergrad, he was intimidated by the whole experience and by his instructors. But as a 43-year-old, he was able to see his professors as peers he engaged with them in open dialogue. He would find himself squeezing every last minute out of every class, not looking forward to leaving early like he did as an undergrad. Ive seen that firsthand from others, too, and certainly the faculty we work with validate that.
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Going Back To School As An Adult In 5 Easy Steps
So youve made the decision to go back to school. Congratulations! Youve already taken the first step in furthering your education to enhance your earning potential or achieve a career transition. Wondering what to do next? Weve got you covered. Follow these step-by-step instructions for going back to school as an adult to boost your success.
The Adult Learners Guide To Choosing A College
Choosing the right college can be a complicated feat for anyone. According to a National Student Clearinghouse Research Center report, more than one-third of college students transfer schools before completing their degrees, sometimes more than once.
While this trend is becoming more common, transferring can extend the amount of time you spend in school and make the process more expensive. For adult students who have professional and family obligations to keep in mind, choosing the right college from the get-go can feel particularly important.
If youre focused on choosing a college, know that one of the best ways to ensure you find the right fit is to have plenty of conversations with enrollment representatives from the schools youre considering. Keep these 10 questions in mind as you approach these conversations the answers they yield could lead you to the college that can help you make your career aspirations a reality.
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Connect With Other Students
Both Kelley and Walsh emphasize the importance of building a network on campus. Interested in getting involved with a student organization? Go for it! If youre too busy to join a club, visit your schools social media pages to connect with other students.
Studies show that students involved in campus activities perform better academically. Take advantage of the resources your college has. At College of Staten Island, we have Facebook groups specifically for adult learners to make it easier to connect with one another and form study groups, says Walsh.
Additionally, look for opportunities to meet other students in the places you frequent.
Campus childcare can be a resource to connect with other student parents. Ask if there is a student group for returning adult students and if not, start one, adds Kelley.
Reasons To Consider Returning To College As An Adult
Returning to college as an adult can yield a wealth of rewards. Here are a few reasons to consider it.
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