State schools vs. other options

[MDela3]

On the topic of the Pell Grant being the 'magic bullet' - it is true the maximum Pell Grant is $6495, but most don't get the maximum. In fact most don't get qualify at all; only 1/3 of students qualify for any Pell Grant money (https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/TrendGenerator...nswer/8/35)

In regards to MDela3's statement "I noticed people come on this forum for many reasons and with limited research ability and only get information about degrees from 3 college options only." - that is simply false.  It is true that this forum does focus on the Big 3, they only make up half of the 'Specific College Discussion' categories on this forum. Although the focus is on earning credits and degrees through alternative methods (non-traditional college courses), it is not against traditional path. A perfect example of this, and one relevant to MDela3's own alma mater, is a post on advice of choosing CUNY vs TESU (a Big# school), and the response was overwhelmingly CUNY (https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...SU-BSBA-GM). I chose this post because even though it is a bit dated (2020) it is very clear right from the thread title; the message is not uncommon, but the thread titles are rarely so clear. Also MDela3 seems to be very pro state school, and since two of the three Big3 are just that (state schools), I'm not sure where their (MDela3) hostility is coming from.

This forum is also pro-employer paying educational expense options, it is encouraged to share any news of an employer paid program (example: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...es-Degrees). Tuition assistance from employers is just not an option for many (https://www.instride.com/insights/tuitio...statistics), especially at the undergraduate degree level (as many jobs at employers who offer the assistance primarily have jobs that require, or prefer, those with a bachelor to begin with).

Just like I don't know everyone circumstances, neither do you. You can't speak for everyone here. ONLY yourself. Those who do qualify for FIN AID should consider all their avenues and speak to FAFSA reps and look at community college as a first option. 

I think people should apply to FIN AID even if they don't think they qualify. See if they can get waiver for their circumstances. I know that if your income changes, you can get a waiver. I know that if you are disabled you get a waiver. All this has to been done at the school's fin aid office tho.  

Thank you for the encouragement :-) I am happy to help when I can. 

If there is any NYS residents on this board, who need assistance please reach to me via PM. So, I can connect you to a plethora of resources for grants, internships, employment opportunities. 

--> Full Scholarship for NYS residents at CUNY/SUNY schools making less than 125k a year - The Excelsior Scholarship 
--> NYS TAP State Aid up to $4-5k a year - https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/...s-tap.html
--> COVID Grants Up to $1,500 per semester - https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/arp.html. and here too. https://www.tccd.edu/info-ribbon/coronav...ncy-grant/

---> CUNY Summer/Winter Course waivers - https://www.csi.cuny.edu/academics-and-r...aiver-faqs
---> CUNY SPS Scholarships - https://sps.cuny.edu/financial-aid-and-t...holarships

If anyone is interested in developing an affordable degree plan within CUNY/SUNY or learning more about CUNY SPS and my experience there, feel free to reach out as well. I am happy to help.

be well! 


_________________________________________________
Educational Experience:

AS in Computer Information Systems with a focus in Cybersecurity/Information Assurance - FLCC 2018
BS in Information Systems, minor in Business - CUNY SPS 2020 
MBA in Info Security Management/Cybersecurity - USF 2023

Certifications:
CCNA, CySA+, Associate of CISSP (CISSP pending until the experience requirement is met by 2023.)

Work Experience:
IT Help Desk Analyst > Network Engineer > SOC/NOC Analyst > SOC Lead