Tips on how to use my FA @ TESC?

[CollegeStudent7]

I just got an email saying my FAFSA is completed and I believe I'll be getting maximum amount of PELL. However, I am finishing my Bachelors with a concentration in Natural Sciences and Mathematics and I think their semester starts later. Not sure.

My BIGGEST anxiety comes from the TESC enrollment fee. At nearly 3k, it's steep. As of now, I'm finishing my English/A&I Lit. and anything else I can finish via testing out. I know you have to take 6 credits to qualify for your PELL, but I'm wondering how it will figure out and how much I can expect to pay out of pocket at the end of the day.

I have 75 credits and need 45. I posted another thread with all my classes and the details. I'm assuming I'll only get HALF of my PELL since $5,500 is meant for an entire year (2 semesters) and I will probably only be taking actually classes for TESC for one semester.

Between ALEKS, SL and testing out I'm thinking I can complete somewhere near 25+ credits and the rest I'll probably have to take via TESC.

Tips? Is it even plausible for me to think I can graduate within the range of 3k for my out-of-pocket expenses? ...as in, that's what I cover when FAFSA covers the rest? ,..or am I being a total dreamer?

[ejones]

I’m no expert, but I’ll take a stab at it.
From what I know of FAFSA, you’ll need to go at least full time each semester in order for you to get the entire amount, assuming you qualify for it. On the application you have to select full-time, part-time, or something like that. The results are based on full-time enrollment. Full-time is at least 12 hours a semester. If you only take six a semester it will be reduced. That is from what I understand about FAFSA, like I said I’m not an expert so I could be totally wrong.

In addition TESC has an annual enrollment fee of $2696. I ran the tuition calculator on the TESC website. This is based on take 15 credit hours at TESC. Here is the situation as I understand it. You have 75 credits, you need 45 more. You can test out of at least 25. That would leave you needing 20 more credits. But for a moment you can test out of 30 and only need 15 credits. Here is what it will cost, according to the calculator.

Transfer of previously earned credit = 75 credits
Annual Enrollment = $2696
Technology Services Fee = $107
Course Registration Fee ($47 per semester @ 3 semesters) = $135
Course Tuition (15 credits @ $193) = $2895
Transfer of credit earned at other institutions = 30 credits

I don’t think the Technology Services Fee and Course Registration Fee are a big deal. But you’ll be looking at least $5591 with just the annual enrollment and course tuition.

Now given your situation and that you get the total PELL grant you think you’ll be getting your out of pocket expenses could be around 3k, but that does not include the cost to getting those remaining credits and the graduation fee.

I don’t know if that helps. I hope it does.

[CollegeStudent7]

I’m no expert, but I’ll take a stab at it.
From what I know of FAFSA, you’ll need to go at least full time each semester in order for you to get the entire amount, assuming you qualify for it. On the application you have to select full-time, part-time, or something like that. The results are based on full-time enrollment. Full-time is at least 12 hours a semester. If you only take six a semester it will be reduced. That is from what I understand about FAFSA, like I said I’m not an expert so I could be totally wrong.

In addition TESC has an annual enrollment fee of $2696. I ran the tuition calculator on the TESC website. This is based on take 15 credit hours at TESC. Here is the situation as I understand it. You have 75 credits, you need 45 more. You can test out of at least 25. That would leave you needing 20 more credits. But for a moment you can test out of 30 and only need 15 credits. Here is what it will cost, according to the calculator.

Transfer of previously earned credit = 75 credits
Annual Enrollment = $2696
Technology Services Fee = $107
Course Registration Fee ($47 per semester @ 3 semesters) = $135
Course Tuition (15 credits @ $193) = $2895
Transfer of credit earned at other institutions = 30 credits

I don’t think the Technology Services Fee and Course Registration Fee are a big deal. But you’ll be looking at least $5591 with just the annual enrollment and course tuition.

Now given your situation and that you get the total PELL grant you think you’ll be getting your out of pocket expenses could be around 3k, but that does not include the cost to getting those remaining credits and the graduation fee.

I don’t know if that helps. I hope it does.

Actually that helps a lot! It gives me a ballpark range which is awesome.
Are semesters just 1 month long? I'm trying to graduate as early as possible and I'm wondering if it's worth it, in the long run, to just pay out of pocket for SL, ALEKS or testing out for pretty much all of the courses that I can..and maybe that would leave me with 2-3 TESC courses to take, which I can also pay for out of pocket. I don't care if this route is 6k vs. 3k (with financial aid) if it means I will graduate a few months earlier, because I really need to get back into the job market and my salary will more than make up for it.

I'm in the job market, right now, but purposely temping for flexibility, etc. I'm only making $20/hr, but it's enough to just get by and pay for things out of pocket. Thanks so much!