Not that I think I’ll get any. As it turns out, my EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) is much higher than the Cost of Attendance at Harvard Extension. The main reason that I did it is because I then qualify to obtain student loans and as an “independent” student, I can borrow more than a “dependent” student, even if my EFC is too high.

Like many people employed full time, I get some tuition assistance from my employer. In my case, I get about $8000 per year to attend school. As long as I get a B or better in the classes, they pick up the tab for tuition, fees, and books.

Of course, I need to pay the tuition in the meantime. As it turns out, my current method (using a credit card) is costing me too much in interest during the term. I’ve decided to investigate using student loans to help with that financing. If all goes well, I’ll be able to pay them off at the end of the term and leave with a zero balance. Of course, I can always just consolidate the new loans with some old ones I have. It turns out that the interest rates are really pretty low right now, especially compared to credit cards. As long as you are enrolled in a degree program at an approved school, you can borrow money to go.

This kind of financing will be even more important once I apply to graduate school. Classes at the school I’m looking at cost about $4K each which is a lot to carry on a credit card for 4 months.  What will probably happen is that I’ll run up some student loan debt and then get a direct federal consolidation loan to roll it all into one payment.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

FAFSA Application