returning to school

[idee]

I am returning to school, and I was wondering if there are any scholarships for people with HIV who continue their education.

[wolfter]

Not sure if there are scholarships or not, but wanted to congratulate you.  Perhaps your academic/financial aid adviser can direct you.

Best of luck

Wolfie

[BT65]

I have no idea about the scholarships. I've been paying for my education with loans, because I was born beautiful and not rich. 

Good luck, Idee.  You can do it.

Betty

[aztecan]

I am not sure if it is the same everywhere, but the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has helped several people I know.

It's worth a shot.

HUGS,

Mark

[poz91]

If you qualify, Pell Grants will typically cover the cost of your classes and textbooks with a little bit left over each semester for incidental expenses.

The Pell Grant / FAFSA application (free application for federal student aid) can be found at ed.gov

As for any scholarships specifically for HIV+ students, I looked into that too and couldn't find anything. I personally didn't feel comfortable disclosing my status to a financial aid counselor at the school, though... so there may very well be some out there and I just didn't know where to look?

[idee]

If you qualify, Pell Grants will typically cover the cost of your classes and textbooks with a little bit left over each semester for incidental expenses.

The Pell Grant / FAFSA application (free application for federal student aid) can be found at ed.gov

As for any scholarships specifically for HIV+ students, I looked into that too and couldn't find anything. I personally didn't feel comfortable disclosing my status to a financial aid counselor at the school, though... so there may very well be some out there and I just didn't know where to look?

I have financial aid and was just looking into scholarships because everyone my Husband talks to suggests I go after one. I really am not sure what I would use the money for yet considering I don't start until January 22nd of 2013. I am thinking gas and new breaks on my car. But I am not sure if that is what I should use it on.

[idee]

I have no idea about the scholarships. I've been paying for my education with loans, because I was born beautiful and not rich. 

Good luck, Idee.  You can do it.

Betty

I am using a loan along with financial aid. I just was told by almost everyone I know and my Husband knows to go after a scholarship. I am sure I can use the money for gas and travel to school.

[Miss Philicia]

A friend of mine, if I'm recalling this correctly as it was a decade ago, had a partial/substantial HIV scholarship that enabled him to get a degree at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. That was for his BFA. I know he then got into some program for his Masters in Berlin though I don't know if it was HIV-related or what. Put it this way -- he has no money of his own nor does his family. He's also Brazilian/Guatemalan.

It's the kind of thing you're going to need time to research.

[BT65]

Here, Vocational Rehabilitation used to pay a big part of getting any undergrad degree.  But now with all the cuts to government programs I've heard they cut way back.  Of course, this is in Indiana, it's worth investigating in your state, Idee, if it is an undergrad degree you're pursuing.  Voc Rehab, at least here, will not assist with any degree above that.

[OneTampa]

A few source links:

http://collegegenie.com/hiv-scholarships

http://www.collegescholarships.org/health/aids-hiv.htm

http://www.usscholarshipguide.org/scholarship/student/aids_hiv.html

[poz91]

I have financial aid and was just looking into scholarships because everyone my Husband talks to suggests I go after one. I really am not sure what I would use the money for yet considering I don't start until January 22nd of 2013. I am thinking gas and new breaks on my car. But I am not sure if that is what I should use it on.

If you're already on financial aid, scholarships might be somewhat of a moot issue... from what I understand, and I could be wrong so don't take this as gospel, but any monies you receive in scholarships will affect the amount you qualify for under FSA dollar-for-dollar.

For example, if you qualify for say $5,000 in assistance and you receive a $2,000 scholarship, you would only receive $3,000 in assistance. The total amount of financial aid (assistance + scholarship) would still only be $5,000.

Again, I don't want to steer you wrong... I could be misinformed, so speak to a financial aid counselor or check your school's financial aid FAQ page online.


* here's an article I found discussing the situation

http://www.moneyeconomics.com/Educational-Finances/Outside-Scholarships-101-How-they-affect-your-financial-aid-package