Explore Your Future
Your "Explore Your Future" Guides
Questions and Answers
I just turned 54 yesterday. I am single and sometimes find it challenging to be my age in the world that I am in.
I work full-time as a massage therapist because I need the health benefits. I am taking courses at two schools working on getting a degree that is not so physical and that is more rewarding.
I just started towards my bachelor's degree at a very unique school where you design your own program and take none of the regular math, English etc.
My concern is financial. I hope to go far enough to get a Ph. D. I was wondering if you knew of any grants for people over 50 just starting college. Thank you so much.
— Eager for Education
Dear Kathleen,
A belated Happy Birthday! Your question concerning educational grants for people over age 50 just starting college is an interesting one. While I do not know of any specific grants, I suggest you conduct some research into funding sources. The Internet is a good place to start.
I assume you have talked with the Financial Aid Department of the school you are attending to see if they have awards for students with special needs. They have a “vested interest” in providing information concerning government grants and other funding sources.
Next, I would think about various “categories” that might describe you – mature woman, income level, field of study, etc. It may be that you can apply for a number of scholarships and combine them. Most likely, you will have to consider a combination of funding sources including grants, scholarships, awards, and loans.
Finally, having recently completed a distance-learning, non-traditional Ph.D. program myself, I would recommend networking with successful students to learn how to complete your program most “efficiently” while you still “enjoy the journey" as the more time you spend in school, the more money it will cost.
Focus on your immediate career/life goal and take it “one step at a time.”