Adult Learners
Thinking of returning to campus? You are not alone! According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 3 million college students that enrolled in 2018 were 35 years of age or older. In today鈥檚 environment lifelong learning has become a fact of life. With the changes in the economy, returning to college in order to complete a degree is the best way to secure earning potential. But the process of returning to college, for adult learners, is very different from the traditional undergraduate student path. And often finances, or the fear of college costs, can keep students from even exploring their options.
At South, cost should never be a barrier to success and we are here to help! In addition to the below, please schedule a time to meet with our student aid advocates, one-on-one, to explore your options.
Also be sure to connect with the Office of Adult Learner Services as their team is a great resource to support you in your return to college.
Where to Begin
For many adult learners federal student loans are an excellent resource to assist in the cost of college.
- Worried you are too old to qualify for federal aid? Don't be! There鈥檚 no age limit for financial aid, and part-time students are also eligible.
- Worried you don't have perfect credit? Don't be! Your credit score is not considered when determining most federal aid offers.
- The federal aid formulas for income don鈥檛 take into account home equity or often times retirement accounts.
- The amount a student qualifies for depends on factors such as your financial need, tuition costs, prior student aid balances, and whether you鈥檒l be a full-time or part-time student.
FAFSA
The first step in exploring your federal aid options is to fill out the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. The FAFSA opens on October 1st of each year. Complete
this early to give yourself time to understand and review your aid package. Keep in
mind 鈥� just because you complete the FAFSA does not mean you have to accept the loans
or other aid opportunities provided.
Grants
Grants are most commonly awarded by the government and are funds provided for educational purposes that do not have to be paid back. Common grants include:
Federal Pell Grant: Awarded to undergraduate students seeking their first Bachelor's degree, by the federal government. The amount you are awarded depends on your financial need, as outlined by your FAFSA.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: awarded to students with financial need that are eligible for the Pell grant and have not yet obtained a Bachelor's degree.
Teacher Education Assistance for College & Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: For students who plan on becoming teachers and are willing to work in high-need areas for a specific time after graduation.
Federal Loans
Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized and PLUS Loans are low interest loans that undergraduates and parents of dependent undergraduates may obtain from the federal government.
For a more comprehensive list of all fed