Frequently Asked Questions
How will I ever be able to afford college? I can barely make the rent.
During your college transitions session, professionals help you to fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). After submitting this form, you will receive a FAFSA Award Letter that will spell out how much money you qualify for in terms of grants (which do NOT need to be paid back) and loans (which you will pay back after graduation). We will assist you with resources for budgeting while in college and how to get the most bang for your buck.
I don’t think I would qualify for financial aid because my parents probably earn too much money. What other options are there?
Well, first let’s think about if you should apply for financial aid. The answer is yes! The amount of financial aid awarded to each student is determined by dependency status, income, assets, number of students in the family who are in college and other qualifying factors. It does not cost anything to apply and you may very well qualify for some assistance. Other options include scholarships (civic, local, college and others), and federally funded loans (which you acquire by applying for financial aid). We can walk you through the entire process.
My schedule is very busy, and I have a lot of commitments. I don’t know if I have time to go back to school.
That is a legitimate concern. Non-traditional college students often have many other responsibilities such as children, marriage, jobs and other obligations. Time and stress management strategies can make college a reality for students who find time to be a big issue. One area of our services focuses specifically on time and stress management. We take a proactive approach in avoiding potentially deal-breaking hurdles. We help you identify the stressors and stumbling blocks and give you the tools that will help you plan ahead, rather than wait until you are blind-sided in the middle of exams week or some other inopportune time.
It’s been a long time since I was in school. I don’t know if my skills are up to speed. What if I need some tutoring?
It is typical to have lost some of those skills in writing and math if you have not been using them on a daily basis. Local adult education centers as well as colleges offer remedial tutoring in a variety of subjects. This is offered at no cost to you. Not only do they tutor you, but they will provide you with on-line resources as well, if that suits your needs. Colleges also offer free tutoring. We can help you explore resources that you might not be familiar with.
Is it really worth going back to school? I mean, that is a lot of money to pay back.
Our web page has a great article on the difference in what an individual can earn with a high school credential versus a college degree. This article states that in Maine the difference is over 50%! http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/12/31/earnings-widen-between-college-and.html
How will I fit in? It’s pretty intimidating to go back to school with a bunch of 20-somethings.
The number of non-traditional students returning to college is increasing all the time. They are the new majority. According to Neal Conan of npr.org, “Statistics announced that 73 percent of all undergraduates don't fit that mold ( of the traditional student).” (www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129402669)I’ve been working at the same job for 32 years. My company closed down due to the economy. I’d like to try something new, but have no idea where to start to figure that out. Is it too late to start a new career?
Absolutely not! The workforce needs and opportunities look a lot different now than they did in 80s and 90s. It is never too late to gain new skills and education. The first step is to look at your skills and interests then delve further into the investigation process by looking at the national and state job outlook for potential careers. After that, we will move you on to begin the college search and selection process in order to find the school that could best serve your needs.
I don’t have reliable transportation right now. Are there any options available to me?
Yes, there are a multitude of on-line programs available. Some colleges offer entire degree programs on-line. Our program can help you select the program that best suits your needs.
