Stipends. Can you use them to pay tuition?

[futurelcsw]

If you apply for CALSWEC or the Mental Health stipends offered at some CSUs, (I think they are both around $18,500) can you use that money to pay for tuition? I really want to keep loans to a minimum.

[allyba]

My understanding has always been yes. You can use them for tuition and any other expenses you would be able to use loans for. There was some good advice at my orientation about these. I think the presenter said, ¨they are a real expensive way to finance your grad school so make sure this is the area you want to go into.¨ If you are certain about mental health they can surely help you a lot during school. Also keep in mind that the grant amount impacts your financial aid. So if the max fed unsub loans to take out a year is around 20,000 and you get an 18,500 grant, the school will only offer you 1,500 in federal unsub loans.

[futurelcsw]

What do you mean by "expensive"? Was that at the CSUN orientation? I remember her saying something about that. Isn't it free money? If you "work-back" for 1 to 2 years paid, isn't it free? The program should cost around $22,000 total so that would be better than loans

[allyba]

Expensive meaning that you'll have to work hard in an area you might not like to pay it back (pay back of time working in a particular area) and if it isn't for you that's an expense in a lot of ways. Also you may even need to move if necessary to fulfill the requirement. The money isn't exactly free in that sense. It is a big commitment and if you decide not to or can't get a job that meets the requirements you do pay it back anyways just like you would a loan.

It is a great opportunity if it is the right situation for you though.

Edited May 29, 2012 by allyba

[futurelcsw]

Oh, ok. That makes sense. Taking on $22,000 in debt is daunting to say the least. I don't want to be in debt forever.