Let’s Talk About the Thing That Stops Most People…
If you’ve ever thought about going back to school, chances are this question came up almost immediately:
“But how am I going to pay for it?”
And if you’re honest, that question alone may have stopped you before you even started.
Not because you’re not capable.
Not because you’re not called.
But because the financial side feels confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… intimidating.
Let me say this clearly:
Financial aid is not as out of reach as you think.
And no, you do not have to have everything figured out before you apply.
Financial aid simply means money that helps you pay for school.
It can come in a few forms:
- Grants (money you do NOT pay back, such as the Pell Grant)
- Federal student loans (borrowed money that must be repaid, but typically with lower interest rates and flexible repayment options)
- Scholarships (free money based on merit, need, or background)
- Work-study programs (earn money through part-time work while you learn, typically available for students local to the university)
Many adult students assume they won’t qualify for these options. I was shocked when I was. I had a great paying job at the time I decided to go back so I knew for sure “I make too much money to qualify”.
However, financial aid is not just for recent high school graduates or those with no income. I am a mom, military spouse, with a full time job. The aid process considers:
- Household size
- Income
- Cost of the school
- Enrollment status
I ended up qualifying for more than I expected. While not all of it was “free money,” I was able to access structured support options—including federal loans—that made going back to school possible in a way I didn’t know existed.
The First Step: Fill Out the FAFSA
Everything starts with one application: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid
This is the gateway to:
- Federal grants
- Federal loans
- Many scholarships
- School-based aid
What I loved was the fact that filling out the FAFSA did not commit me to anything but it gave me an overview of what I qualified for.
No pressure. No obligation. So the real question becomes:
“Can school realistically fit into my life financially?”
The answer is often yes but not because everything is free.
It’s because:
- Payments can be deferred especially while your still in classes
- Loans are structured with income-based options and forgiveness programs
- Grants reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket cost
- Schools often offer additional support for adult learners
Where Faith Meets Strategy
Sometimes we pray for clarity about our next step…
But avoid the practical process that reveals it.
Scripture reminds us:
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost…” — Luke 14:28 (ESV)
Counting the cost doesn’t mean saying “no.” It means getting informed so you can say “yes” with wisdom.
Before you talk yourself out of it, do this instead
✔️ Fill out the FAFSA
✔️ Talk to an enrollment or financial aid specialist at Grace
✔️ Ask questions (even the ones you think are “basic”)
✔️ Review your actual numbers—not your assumptions
Because clarity doesn’t come from guessing. It comes from walking the process through. If this is something you’ve been considering, don’t let uncertainty decide for you. Get the information then decide.
Because growth doesn’t always require more resources. Sometimes it requires a willingness to take the next informed step.
Making College Affordable and Understandable
You do not have to navigate those questions alone either. One of the things we care deeply about at Grace is helping students and families understand what college will actually cost, not just what they assume it will cost. Our Financial Aid Office takes the time to walk students through scholarships, FAFSA, grants, and payment options in a personal way, because we know finances can feel overwhelming. We want students to make informed decisions with clarity and confidence, not confusion. For many families, the final cost of attending Grace ends up being far more affordable than they expected. More importantly, you will have people here willing to help you every step of the way, so finances never feel like a conversation you have to figure out on your own.
Reach out today and let us help you take the next step with confidence.
About the Author: Tanika Asiedu is pursuing her Master’s in Higher Education Leadership at Grace Christian University.
