funding a postbac

[buzzworm]

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I'm in my second semester of a postbac at Columbia -- I'm taking two classes (chem and physics) plus a lab, and working full time. I work at Columbia, so my employee benefits pay for my classes.

But this schedule is pretty hard as it is, and my adviser has already warned me that it's pretty much impossible to work full time during the orgo/bio year, which will be next year. I don't have enough money saved up for a full year of classes (which would be over $16,000 at Columbia), so what do I do? Even if I work part-time, I won't have enough money to cover my expenses. I still need to look into loans, but I've heard that it's difficult to get financial aid for a postbac since it's a non-degree-granting program.

Anybody have any advice?

 

[Lokhtar]

You'll probably have to get a loan.

 

[Isoprop]

you will probably not qualify for federal loans b/c you are a non-degree seeking students. i've heard but not confirmed that students can qualify for federal loans if they declare that they are seeking a second degree (even if they're not) but don't quote me on that.

you can always try private loans from banks. citi or chase i believe is a popular one (try a google search or check the finaid forums on SDN). you're credit history needs to be good or you'll need a cosigner.

 

[puchi]

Oh man I'm sorry to hear that. Your best bet would be to get a private loan.

 

[Tranquility]

i had this same question...( i *just* learned about post bach today..im SO excited) but what about grants and scholarships. I was planning on applying for some scholarships based on disability but do you think theyd approve for post bach?

 

[Isoprop]

i had this same question...( i *just* learned about post bach today..im SO excited) but what about grants and scholarships. I was planning on applying for some scholarships based on disability but do you think theyd approve for post bach?

scholarships and grants vary in their requirements. you'd have to look at each specific sponsor to see if you qualify.

also guys, go talk to a financial aid officer either at your alma mater or the post-bacc school you are interested in going to. they have a lot more state-specific information and may know of alternative ways to fund a post-bacc.

 

[UCDavisdude]

in california, i believe you are allowed federal money for 1 years worth of post bacc- non degree study. correct me if im wrong, but i believe i have read this somewhere.

 

[I-Baby]

in california, i believe you are allowed federal money for 1 years worth of post bacc- non degree study. correct me if im wrong, but i believe i have read this somewhere.

Yeah that's true. A friend of mine is completing prereq's at a csu and she is getting financial aid in the form of loans...