Going to School and Financial Aid

Planning to Attend School

 

Enrolling in job training, a college, or a university can be part of a process that moves you toward meaningful employment, higher income, and social interaction. Applying for and getting accepted into school can take weeks or months, so you may need to be patient.

 

You will need to:

• Decide which schools or programs offer the training courses or degrees that you want

• Take standardized tests, if required for admission

• Apply for admission

• Apply for financial aid

• Select and register for classes

 

If you are unsure about how school or training would work for you, you may want to choose a program or course schedule that allows you to start by taking one class or going part time.

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Easing the Transition to School

 

It can be challenging to attend school, participate in classes, and do homework. Here are ways to ease the transition:

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• Use the school's student services or talk with your academic advisor if you are having a problem.

• Consider studying with someone to help get through class material.

• If you don't understand class material, speak directly with your instructor.

• Complete your assignments on time and come to class prepared.

  • If you are having trouble with this, reach out to the counseling or disability services office at your school. You may be able to get accommodations to have more time and support for your assignments.

• Talk with other students about how to cope with the multiple demands of school, work, and family.

• Don't let age difference become a barrier: your life experiences are rich gifts.

 

Further resources to explore school options and financing:

There can be a variety of strategies to access education and training at no cost or at a lower cost. These may include school financial aid, and resources through your local vocational rehabilitation agency and/or workforce development career centers (American Job Centers).

 

Financial Aid

 

There are many federal, state, and private financial aid programs that offer loans, grants, and work study jobs to help students pay for a college education. To apply for them, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The US Department of Education uses this form to determine how much aid you are eligible to receive. You may also want to work with a financial aid counselor at the school to explore options, answer questions, and assist you through the process.

 

The financial aid process usually takes several weeks or months, so it is helpful to apply far in advance of the first day of class. You can even apply before you are accepted at a school. It is important to pay attention to the date on which the applications are due, as late applications are not accepted.

 

Need-based financial aid includes:
 

• Grants: Gifts or scholarships. Do not need to be paid back

• Loans: Borrowed money. Must be paid back over a specified period of time. May or may not need to be paid during the time you are in school. 

• Work-Study: You earn money through a job that the school has helped you to obtain.

 

Note: For individuals on SSDI or SSI, grants are not considered income when they pay for school expenses (i.e., tuition, books, etc.), so they will not affect your monthly benefit check. Grants, however, are considered income when they cover living expenses.

 

Further resources on financial aid and help to begin the process:

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

 

The Financial Aid Information Page

www.finaid.org

 

Federal Student Aid Information Center

www.studentaid.gov

 

Phone: (800) 433 3243 or (800) 730 8913

 

High School Equivalency (HSE)

 

High school equivalency programs offer adults an opportunity to earn a high school diploma. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in the US take HSE exams to improve their employment options, apply for college, qualify for a job promotion, or increase their confidence.

 

HSE test sites are located all over the United States and Canada. Testing centers can direct you to resources to prepare for the test either by yourself or in a group. They can also arrange for testing accommodations if you have a documented disability, and could more likely succeed in the testing with changes (accommodations) in how it is administered to respond to your individual needs and challenges.

 

Further resources to locate the HSE site in your state or area:

HSE 

www.careeronestop.org/FindTraining/Types/high-school-equivalency.aspx?secondaryNavPanels=AQ%3D%3D