Schooling After Bankruptcy?

[jazzladyw]

I've recently filed Ch7. I work part time in retail, and retail is all I know how to do. I don't have any real marketable skills. I was thinking of going back to school and getting a degree of some sort. I don't have the money to pay for it on my own, so I was thinking of applying for financial aid. Would I be automatically denied government aid based on a recent bankruptcy??? I really want out of retail, as I'm getting burned out, and school is the only way I know of on how to do that.

[majorbk]

You won't be denied financial aid because of the bankruptcy. We (hubby and I) were discharged Oct 2010 and we both went back to school. Financial aid was a big help for both of us. It's hard (full time job and 3 kids) but to get a better future it's worth it. So, don't worry and go back to school.

[Exployer1234]

I was approved for financial aid while I was going through my Chapter 7 case. I was in the same boat 3 years ago. In retail for years, but no degree. Going back to school has been the best thing. It has opened more doors even in this job market. I have an interview set up with a place right now that would not have been possible if I had not gone back to school.

[jazzladyw]

Thanks for all the responses. My only other concern is if I go through schooling, taking the time and money to do so, what about after? I've read that it will be near impossible to get hired anywhere with a bankruptcy on my record. I just don't want to waste my time for nothing.

[Exployer1234]

It is according to what you are going to major in. Even with my BK on record I still found companies that were more than willing to hire me. The jobs did require me to handle money. It never hurts to apply and don't let your BK to rule your life. If you never apply you will never know.

[AngelinaCat]

Getting any kind of education is well worth the effort, even if you don't end up with the exact job you wish, as Exployer explained, the effort will help open doors for you. Plus you will be 'networking' with people you otherwise would not have met.

Now a word of caution: PLEASE be careful of what institution you end up deciding to go to. There are many reputable universities and colleges out there. But there are just as many that are bogus and push their 'online studies'. Select one that has been approved by the major Education Accreditation agency in your area. Here in Florida, it is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Always check with your area's agency to check the status of the school you wish to attend.

I say all of this because some years ago, we were approached by an acquaintance of 'Hub, and her husband, to invest in their latest 'get rich quick scheme.' They wanted to have an online school that you earn a theology degree from. They had absolutely no education background at all, but wanted 'Hub to make their website, and me--the only one of us WITH an Education background--to be their registrar. This was going to be a Diploma Mill, and we said so from the start, and refused them outright.

So be careful, and good wishes with your endeavour.

[AngelinaCat]

I will also add that I knew a woman that had taken several online courses via the University of Phoenix, and when she went to transfer those credits to the local community college, they were not accepted.

[feelingnutsy]

In addition---be careful of what I believe are called specialty schools---
almost like for-profit schools and training centers---since some of these are way bogus as well.

[momofthree]

I am in an active ch.13 case and was approved for financial aid (pell grant) thru my local community college.

[papie]

You can obtain financial aid while in bankruptcy.

And don't be concerned about a bankruptcy preventing you from a job. Unless your job is going to require some kind financial certification or something like that, you shouldn't have an issue. I work in finance and it has caused me some issues, but not bad enough that I regret a degree in Finance.

And as the others said...please please please make sure you are going to a reputable school. Most online schools are a complete scam as are many brick and mortar career schools.....they will charge you double the cost to graduate six months or so earlier with a degree that is NOT highly respected in most industries. Public community colleges and public state universities are your best bet.

[keepsmiling]

I already have a degree which is virtually useless. Can I still get a grant?

[kingfisher]

I can tell you that my husband used the 3 years since we filed CH7 to get his degree. He had no prior college and wanted to be a funeral director. We really did our homework as to credits and what transfers where for our state funeral licensing! He took 60 credits through Penn Foster online--in one year(!) while taking care of our 3 year old at home while I worked. The next year he spent in Chicago living and working in a funeral home while attending a one year funeral college [Worsham--the one everyone here in GR told him to attend]. I was able to get a deal from PennFoster [they dropped it to 65$/credit including books] and paid it all off as we went.

The rent was free and he worked his tail off at the Chicago funeral home and we took out a school loan for the year at Worsham. He passed his boards and came home to an internship that pays more that he's ever made in his life and hopes to be hired when the internship is done. At that point he'll make twice as much.

We'll have $13K in school loan debt starting this Sept, with an 88K income to pay it with.

I'm saying this because

A). I'm so grateful to God and SO proud of my husband!

B.) To tell you it CAN be done and it is worth it.

By the way, my husband is 46 years old and is a childhood diabetic. He sucked it up and did the hard thing.

Go for it, BUT make a plan!

fisherking

[momofthree]

I already have a degree which is virtually useless. Can I still get a grant?

Federal grants are only available to undergraduates. However, there might be other private grants you could apply for....