I am 51, and need $ for education?

My position was eliminated after 14 years. I have lots of experience, but that doesn't get me in any doors.
I seem to have all of the knowledge for positions I am worthy of, but I don't have a bachelors degree, only Assoc. I have found Kennedy West University, where I can accomplish a bach. degree in a year or so. But because it is "Online", I don't qualify for grants of financial aid. I don't want to borrow on a Student Loan.
Any helpful information/contacts would be so, so, sooooo appreciated!

Sorry about your job loss. But congratulations on your decision to go back to school!

I got laid off last year due to the global economy and as a result was qualified for Federal retraining dollars. So, check with your state employment/unemployment department to see if you might qualify for worker retraining funds. That's a starting point.

Next, check with your local community college since they usually get the state and federal funds for worker retraining. They may have other funds... and don't discount the community college programs, they could get you into the career of your dreams that don't require a 4 year degree (a friend of mine who also got laid off is getting retrained as a video technician and is loving it after 30 years in high tech as an engineer).

Finally, be careful about these online "universities" many are unscrupulous and are in business to get financial aid from the government by enrolling bodies. Make sure the school is fully accredited by the same body that certifies your major state universities. I teach for the leader in this field (they are based in AZ) and feel they do a really good job supporting the students they admit and provide good counseling and career advice, especially for older students. But also check your local state university since they may have scholrship $$ for "non-traditional (18-20 year olds) students. I dontae $$ each year to such at fund at the school I got my MBA from.

best wishes for every success in your new career!

(PS I decided to become a high school teacher and am really enjoying it).

I'm not sure where you live but look first at Universities in your area. Most schools that are all "on-line" are not credible.

My mother, sister, and I all went back to school later in life (my sister late 20's, me 35, my mom late 40's). We went to fairly large, credible Universities, all different and you would be so surprised at the amount of credits we got for "Life Experience". As adult learners we were also able to write one paper for a semester credit.

The University I graduated from really surprised me. I actually just went to get my credits transferred to a cheaper school and found out I was thirteen credits shy of a degree. However for any traditional degree I was lacking at least a year.

They were in the third year of a new adult program that allowed adults to basically make your own major for a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. You could take any classes at the main campus or satellite campuses and/or some on-line courses where you just go for the test or e-mail a paper.

THE BEST PART.it was half the price of traditional student costs and you still qualify for all government assitance as long as you are enrolled at least half time.I received a grant of several thousand that paid my tuition and took two student loans ($4,000 each semester) to help pay bills while I could only work part tiime.
I don't know why you think you don't qualify for grants. Each Univ. also has lists of scholarships, work-study programs etc. You would be surprised at the scholarships. They are not all based on academics.
I got one for being a single mother in my last year.

Anyone is eligible for gov't assistance and subsidized student loans no matter their age and your advisor will help make sure that your credits from your Associates. degree will transfer at least somewhere.

You wouldn't believe how many people your age are starting over. I really got on well with my professors also b/c we could relate better being closer in age.
I may go to grad school and if I had applied with only my G.P.A., since most of it was while I was young, it would never happen.

Now that I am older and know the professors, they are recommending me for grad school and other job openings

I don't know where you live or what you do but I could help you get into Boston University, University of TN, Vanderbilt University, or Belmont University (Nashville, TN)

Just tell yourself you are doing it and start filling out paper work.

Best of Luck!

Contact Phoenix college on-line. It is an accredited college that means you will qualify for financial aid. You can get grants and what not without borrowing a lot of money.(800)545-6042 Contact Craig Bailey They also give credit for life experiences and for job experience.

Since you are considered a displaced person, you might be able to get help through the local Dept of human services. We have a branch where I live that helps people like you. Be very CAUTIOUS of online schools. I enrolled in one, paid 3000.00 and only needed 3 classes to graduate when I discovered that my degree was not going to be able to be used everywhere..I would have had to move to Ohio and then I might have been able to use it. If the school is accredited through Dept of Education..you would be able to use the degree anywhere..However, you could also get aide. Be sure you know you can use that degree. I realize that you can finish in 1 year but if you finish it and can't get a job...it's useless.