Financial aid resource(s) for a non-traditional student to go back to college?

I only have an Associates degree, but would like to go back to school after being out for many years. The non-traditional part I referred to means that I'll be 40 next year. Need to know legitimate resources for financial aid (can't afford loans - hoping for grants and/or scholarships) for college? I've heard that many obscure, unusual or specialized grants/scholarships are never even applied for because people just don't know about them. Well, I would like to know about them. Thanks in advance!

I also returned after a long time out as a sinlge parent. I got the Pel Grants too, also hope I didn't wrongly leave out the other "L", and some scholarships. I got one from the president of the school that had been established specifically for returning non-traditional students. I also got my summer classes paid for through the family resource center at the campus, who also helped me out a lot with books. I joined fastweb, and have found many scholarships to apply for. Applying and getting them are two different things though. I've applied for about 60 scholarships since 2003, and have gotten maybe...4...I think? Try finding local groups like PEO International, Kuwanis, Daughters of the Revolution and other groups that can sponsor you for a scholarship. PEO has sponsored me for a $2000 Scholarship, and a $9000 loan. Also, look into things like jobs that have tuition reimbursement. I worked at sonic one year while in school, and got a $500 scholarship specifically for sonic employees. Starbucks offers tuition reimbursement, as well as health benefits for part-time employees. Also, consider the feild you are going into. For example, I am going into nursing, so taking out loans is an option as many hospitals will re-pay the loans in return for a work contract. Some employers have a tuition reimbursement program for thier employees. For example, Sprint has a program that pays for up to a certain amount depending on how long you have worked there. It doesn't necessarily have to be a work-related field of study either.

I've bookmarked this site...

http://www.TopFinancialAid.info/

All the best to you.

Congratulations on your decision to return to school. Regardless of age, student aid is always out there to apply for.

Most important is the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the application for the federal pell grant. It all starts there. By applying for the pell grant you are also applying for other state grants. One application takes care of it. There is no state grant application that I know of (although states may vary). Keep in mind that financial aid is very individualized and one persons scenario is usually not the same as the next person.

Many factors are used to determine what you may qualify for. How many in the household, annual income, child support received/paid etc. All these factors are used to calculate your EFC (expected family contribution). You'll receive an EFC number once you've submitted your fafsa. The higher the EFC number the less pell grant money you'll qualify for. If you're EFC is higher than 4000 you probably won't qualify for any pell grant however you may still be eligible for state grants. The financial aid office in your college will determine if you meet the quals for state grant money. Although state grant money is not as much as federal money, it's stll something to help soften the financial burden.

Other than federal and state grant money I'm not doubting that there are other scholarships out there however they may be predator companies or organizations out to swindle you or offer very high interest rate loans. I would tread with caution. Keep in mind, you should never have to pay to submit a fafsa or scholarship application.

Good luck!
You can apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.