[January 21, 2013]

Navigating Financial Aid for Adult Learners

Was one of your New Year's resolutions to go back to school If so, you'll probably want to know all you can about your financial aid. Researching financial aid opportunities that fit your needs and college requirements is easier than you might think. Make this your year and resolve to get your undergraduate or graduate degree. Here is some smart advice that will help you in your financial aid research:

SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are not only for traditional undergraduate students. There are plenty of opportunities for adult learners as well. Make sure to do your due diligence in researching opportunities, requirements and deadlines for scholarships. Many scholarships are based on more than academics and your chances of receiving aid increase when you take the time to review your applications and submit them on time. And don't be quick to overlook small scholarships. Several awards of a few hundred dollars each can add up to significant tuition savings, so be sure and scour the Internet for those unusual scholarships.

LOANS: While scholarships are often part of a college payment plan, they are rarely the entire plan. You'll need a combination of financial aid sources, including federal and private loans. Keep in mnd: not all loans are created equal. First, research your federal loans options. Once you've exhausted these, look into private loans. Private loans are typically more expensive for the borrower. Because private loans are not guaranteed by the federal government, they must be insured privately. This extra cost is often passed on to the borrower in the form of higher fees and interest rates. While the interest rates of private loans fluctuate over time, federal loans remain fixed for the life of the loan. Remember, you can qualify for loans with a middle-class income.

MILITARY: Military service can lead to qualification for many assistance programs. GI bill benefits are available to our men and women who have served our country as well as Yellow Ribbon military benefits directly from military-friendly colleges and universities.

LIFE EXPERIENCE: Did you know that some universities will give you credit toward graduation requirements for your life or professional experiences This experience may save you some money and courses. Just because you haven't been in a classroom for a while doesn't mean you haven't learned valuable lessons.

With so many opportunities to reduce your tuition bill, be sure and explore all your options today. Call 1-888-999-9844 to ask about the new $2,600 Success Scholarship program at the University of Redlands School of Business and for information about military tuition discounts and financial aid.

About the University of Redlands

The University of Redlands is an independent, nonprofit, liberal arts and sciences university consistently ranked among the best universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Since the university's founding in 1907, Redlands has emphasized academic rigor, personal development and interdisciplinary studies. An Education + culture of elevated learning provides students with a holistic education that results in a unique life transformation. Redlands students learn equally about service, commitment, life and the world. As a pioneer in the burgeoning field of spatial learning, Redlands integrates spatial learning across academic disciplines. At the innovative Johnston Center, students have the opportunity to design their own custom major. Home to one of the oldest accredited music programs in California, the conservatory-style School of Music educates the whole musician. Adults may continue their education with programs tailored for working professionals at the Schools of Business and Education, offering evening degree-completion and graduate programs at 10 convenient Southern California locations.

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