Education- Any Ideas?

[Guest jangrin]

Went to the community college with my son. We have lived here since November of 2006, and our son had been in school since then and recently graduated from our local public high school. Went to enroll him at the community college as a freshman and they are considering him to be a NON resident and must pay out of state tuition.

We are paying taxes property taxes for this year as well as living in the community college district for the past 10 months. His fees for classes are $279.00 an hour. So his 12 hour (unit) full time fees are 3348.00 plus books and student health fees and parking.Probably a little over 4000.00 for one semester.

His high school counselor told him he would be considered a resident. The college advisor said the high school people don;t know what their talking about. This is pretty expensive for Community college. Does any one know of any options, as his Chapter 35 benefits don't come into play until after tuition is paid.

Jangrin

Edited July 4, 2007 by jangrin

[Berta]

Jangrin- has he accessed all the financial options such as Pell Grants etc?

Also many states have special programs to help children of veterans in colleges-

It is my understanding and someone here agreed too that a Chap 35 recepient can also receive Pell grant money or benefits with no offset to their Chapter 35.

The financial aid apps should be right their at the community college- it depends on many factiors to get this type of help but many qualify for it.

He could also consider applying for a scholarship and that too is more in pocket money for him.

Also he could see -if your and your husband belong to the DAV or the AL etc -if they too offer something-

I am honor student and rep told me to ask the DAV for a scholarship- they never acknowledged my request-

then again- I did this request via email and probably didnt reach the right DAV department-

I think maybe this person did not know what they were talking about- was this the college financial aide advisor or the VA coordinator?

[Berta]

PS- are they on line for classess too? even Harvard is these days-

I know young people want to live on their own when they attend college but then again if he remains at home- he can attend on line-

I save the expense of gas going to any of the local colleges near me and I am glad I dont fight for a parking spot like I used too and the internet has made it possible for me to attend a school that is just outside of Quantico-the school of my choice- without 'being' there-

they took almost all of my past credits too towards my present degree program.

[Guest jangrin]

My husband and son went yestrerday to the college, it was the admissions and the counselor they haven't met with the VA coordinator yet. They have to go to another branch of the college, our community college has multiple campuses across the city.The VA office is only at a couple of the campuses.

We'll check inot the pell grants and look for some local help for tuition. Thanks!!

[Guest jangrin]

PS- are they on line for classess too? even Harvard is these days-

I know young people want to live on their own when they attend college but then again if he remains at home- he can attend on line-

I save the expense of gas going to any of the local colleges near me and I am glad I dont fight for a parking spot like I used too and the internet has made it possible for me to attend a school that is just outside of Quantico-the school of my choice- without 'being' there-

they took almost all of my past credits too towards my present degree program.

Berta, I am not positive on this and I will find out more. But it is my understanding that Chapter 35 for dependents (other than spouse) are not able to get education money by taking classes on-line. I think I read somewhere that the children of vets getting Chapter 35 have to attend actual class.(no cyber class). I'll check into this more.

Jangrin

Edited July 4, 2007 by jangrin

[Guest jangrin]

I hope this helps other parents or spouses who are planning on educational benefits this year.

While searching today, I found this at the college website ( VA section).Also, the college will accept an installment agreement for tuition if the student pays 50% up front. So I guess that is also an option, plus the Pell Grant is based on income and need and tuition expenses. So with all of that he should be able to register full time.

Payment of Benefits

The VA pays on a post-payment system, which means the veteran will be paid for the month after it has past. Payment is made by the VA Regional Office. The first payment takes six to eight weeks after the term begins. Checks are mailed directly to the veteran's address. Please notify the college Veterans Affairs Office of any change of address.

(I think the following also applies to Chapter 35 students.)

Advance payment

Advance payment is authorized when veterans start a program or for any semester in which they have been out of school for at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester. Application for advance pay should be forwarded 60-120 days prior to the beginning of the semester. The advance paycheck will not be released until the veteran has paid his tuition and fees and presented a paid fee receipt to the VA Office. In order to receive the advance payment, students must be enrolled for at least half-time.

[Rich T]

I believe somebody else mentioned to check on state beenfits too. Make sure when they apply for Chapter 35 that they apply for a higher degree, like a masters. That way any thing below that is simply a part of the process of the program, and therefore no change of program is needed. Look into the tutoral assistance as a part of chapter 35. Then I always had the student file as an independant student, that way your income is not a factor.