Question:

I am nine classes away from my B.S. degree. I just found out that I can only qualify for $3,427 in student loans yet I have over $5,000 in tuition left to pay. My school's tuition is high so I could transfer schools and save money. I am a non-working student with a child. My husband is also in school but works. I've invested five years to get this degree, plan to attend graduate school, but unsure whether I should stay at this school and hope to receive grant money or transfer to another school for my last nine classes.

First Answer:

Before you make any decisions, check out your options. Go to the financial aid office, explain your situation to them. They should be able to tell you if you are elegible for any additional financial aid. Check out the scholarships that are available both on campus and through local and national organizations. In my area, the local Women's Chamber of Commerce and the Zonta International Women's group both give out local scholarships.

If you are considering changing schools, you will want to make sure that your will not have to take more courses or different courses to meet their requirements for graduating with the degree you seek. Each school is different so I would urge you to talk directly to someone from the schools you are considering. Let them look over your transcript and tell you exactly what you would need to graduate if you transfer. If the school is cheaper but requires more hours -- then you would not be saving money in the long run.

Also, many schools have tuition payment plans for students. Another option might be to take a part time job to earn the difference in the amount of loans vs tuition.

-- Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College

Second Answer:

Call me old-fashioned but I really believe that one gets an education from the school one thinks is BEST for them. YOu didn't say whether or not the two schools were comparable in programs, quality and experience. If they are, and you think you will get an equally-good degree from the second school that will be cheaper, then I'd transfer. If the second school isn't comparable, I think I'd find some way to cut back in other areas so that I could complete my degree at my school of choice. You have only nine classes left. Even if you cannot get more student loans and you have a child, perhaps you could arrange for a part time job or some work-study to pay the rest? So many students are working parents or single parents, for that matter. Your school's career center might have ideas where you could work that also have day care facilities on site. If necessary, perhaps you or your husband could delay school a semester and "take turns" until your degrees are done. YOU go one semester, HE goes the next. This may delay your goals but it won't put you in debt and you will both reach your goals by working together.

-- Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column

Third Answer:

Congratulations on pursuing your degree and raising a child! Here are some of my thoughts - have you spoken with the financial aid office to see where your grant and any other funding for you stands? Can you take a semester off and work to earn the remainder? Can you work on campus or enter a work-study program? You also mention that you are planning to attend graduate school - how are you planning to fund that? This far down the road toward your degree changing schools could put you at risk for not having all of your credits transfer - this could cost you more in the long run. Looking into more affordable graduate schools is worthwhile. Education is the key to opening employment doors so continue exploring your options.

If you are still wondering, work with a professional coach who can guide you through the process easier and faster. I am offering a 20% discount on one month of coaching to anyone who mentions this article.

-- Janine A. Schindler, Professional Coach and owner of the Jas Coaching Company

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