F.A.Q.

I think I want to go back to school.  What do I do first?

First, you contact us by writing to Carrie at cradloff@tri-state-grad.org or calling 712.274.1277 or 800.630.1160.  Be prepared to share your educational history ("I have a B.A. from BVU in Management"), what you are doing now ("I work full-time for DHS" or "I'm laid off and want to go back to school"), and what you want to be doing in 3-5 years ("I want to be promoted to an administrator position" or  "I want to teach high school").

With this information, we can counsel you on what's available in the area and what your options are. We can help you as much or as little as you need.  No question is too basic.

Couldn't I just do a web search and get this information myself and save whatever fees you charge?

Yes and no.  You could try a web search, but they're tedious and no fun to do.  It's easy to get overwhelmed by the options and frustrating when you're not even sure what you're looking for.  We know what's available from our schools, and if they don't offer the program or course you want or need, we do that tedious search for you and sort out the "buy a degree" options from the legitimate institutions.

The Tri-State Graduate Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by the states and colleges of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.  We charge you nothing, zero, nada, zip, and zilch for our service to you.

I have a bachelor's in {insert field here} and I'd like to teach K-12. I want a Master's in Education, right?

Well, yes, eventually, perhaps.  Unfortunately, you'll need to go back to being an undergrad for at least a year (probably two) to pick up required education classes for a district to even consider hiring you, and obtain licensure and pass tests in the process.  I'm collecting more details; check back later or drop me a note for information specific to your situation.

So how do I pay for a master's degree... they cost a kabillion dollars, don't they?

The programs through our schools are pretty reasonably priced compared to "online schools".  A full program (27-36 credits), depending on the field and the school, may cost between $5,000 and $15,000.  Most programs are pay-as-you-go per class, so you'll need to pay just $500 to $1200 every few months.

Many schools accept credit cards, so you can get your rewards points or miles (I do *not* condone carrying a balance on your cards... pay them off ASAP! or visit www.creditcardclients.com/savings-agent for tips on managing credit card debt).  If you are a planner, you can sock away some extra money every month leading up to your start date (look for high-interest online savings accounts, such as e-loan.com or hsbc.com, that pay over 4% right now), or purchase CDs and stagger the maturity dates to coincide with your coursework.

Many employers will assist in your education as well.  If there isn't a policy already, ask about making a contract between you and your employer.  Most will require you to pay for the course yourself, then will reimburse you upon "successful completion" of the course.

Scholarships are available, but start your search early.  FastWeb.com is the leading "clearinghouse" of scholarships and grants.  Also visit scholarship.com and ask your school's financial aid office for advice.

Loans are an option, too.  Start with the loan programs available through your school's financial aid office.  Be careful of predatory private loan issuers.  Those letters you will get make them look attractive; read the fine print. Consider if you're willing to sacrifice a little more now to avoid the debt.

There are tax advantages to going to school.  You can get a tax credit of up to a few hundred dollars!  See www.nasfaa.org/AnnualPubs/TaxBenefitsGuide.html for more information.

Do keep in mind that there is more than just tuition to consider.  Most schools will charge various fees, and you'll have books to buy, in addition to the little treats you'll give yourself for turning in that paper or to celebrate the last night of a course.

My master's program is telling me I need to pick up a prerequisite course.  Where do I get that?

Wherever you go for the course, be sure it'll be accepted by your destination school.  Sometimes just the catalog description is required, sometimes they want to see the full syllabus.

The cheapest route is to take the course at a community college (WITCC, NECC, NWICC).  Many courses are available "at a distance" or in the evenings.  If one of these schools doesn't have what you need, start the search with your nearest four-year institution and spiral out.  Talk with your destination school for suggestions as well.  And, as always, you can contact me for help.

I emailed you and haven't heard back yet... *or*  My message to you bounces back.

Technology is great when it works.  If you haven't heard from me within a few days of your message, I didn't get if for some reason.  Call me or resend your email to my personal address.

My question isn't here.  Now what?

Just drop me a note.  I'll reply to you directly, and if it's widely applicable, the Q&A will appear here shortly.

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