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Step 1
Introduce your plans to your entire family at the same time and let them know that you’ve made up your mind. Change can be frightening to children who might envision their mother not being around to tend to their needs. Don’t ask their permission; just ask for their support.
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Step 2
Call the college you plan to attend and ask about family-oriented services. A growing number of community colleges and universities are now offering either on-site childcare (for a fee).
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Step 3
Find some financial aid to help fund your education. Loans and scholarships aren’t just for kids fresh out of high school; they’re for adults, too. Check out FastWeb.com and fill out their in-depth free questionnaire for financial aid geared towards you. In addition, fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov to see if you qualify for federal or state aid.
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Step 4
Take advantage of tax benefits that allow you to deduct a portion of your college costs. In accordance with “The American Opportunity Tax”, you can exempt some of the costs you pay for your continuing education from your Income Taxes.
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Step 5
Speed up your degree by receiving life credits. Some colleges will allow you to take a College Level Exam Program test (CLEP) to determine your knowledge level in certain areas and they may give you college credit for your scores.
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Step 6
Split your class time between on-site classes and online work. Most colleges now have online course offerings or they will allow you to attend a minimum number of classes in person and then permit you to do the balance of the work at home on your own computer. This can greatly reduce childcare costs.
