In August, 2011, I finally acted upon the long-time dream of returning to college. At 46 years old, I knew I would struggle in a traditional classroom setting and chose distance learning at Columbus State Community College. As a state-supported college, CSCC offers very reasonable prices — $79 per credit hour – and is approved for students qualifying for federal financial aid.
I, unfortunately, didn’t plan far ahead. Once I learned that I qualified for both the Federal Pell Grant and a scholarship for returning, non-traditional students sponsored by CSCC, I took my opportunity. I did have some credits from twenty years ago that transferred, giving me a one-quarter head start on my Associates of Arts degree.
In order to rent my textbooks, I received a refund of my scholarship funds a little over a week before classes began. I was able to use this money to ensure I had my textbooks when classes began.
Even though I qualify for the federal student loans, I have no intention at this time to borrow money for school as long as I can get by. With my children grown and out on their own I have the luxury of being conservative with my available income. Additionally, my boyfriend has been able to pick up some of the household expenses I used to carry.
I still work part-time from home with occasional temporary jobs elsewhere. I schedule those work hours around my studying, knowing that every dime I can earn now may make it easier to continue my goal of not being in debt when I graduate college.
Now that I am in my second quarter, I have changed my focus. Federal student aid such as Pell Grants and Work Study are not available during the summer months. Because I was so far removed from the classroom, it became necessary for me to take a developmental math class to get back on track with my degree path. In order to graduate on schedule in 2013, I must take two classes this summer.
At this time, I anticipate 10 credit hours during the summer quarter. My graduation goals require that I save a minimum of $1,100 to pay for my tuition, books and travel to testing centers for the summer. I have budgeted extra work hours for the next five months, enabling me to put $220 per month into savings for those costs.
I intend to continue with my studies to earn my Bachelor’s Degree. By disciplining myself now to save more than $200 a month, I will have a good start to add to my financial aid package when I transfer to a four-year college.