My Plans for Graduate School

Last night my husband and I were visiting my parents, and my mom brought up graduate school with me. I've been interested in getting my master's degree in writing, and she has offered to pay the tuition — all of it, if I choose a less expensive program, and part of it if I choose a more expensive program.

The thing is, I don't want her assistance to make me ineligible for financial aid. There are other expenses to consider, such as textbooks and living expenses. I work a lot right now, and I don't really have time for school in my current schedule. This means that I'll have to cut back on work somewhat even if I only go to school part time. If I could get some additional money, either from scholarships or another type of financial aid, this would help me a great deal to be able to afford an education.

So as it stands right now I'll have to find some way to either reduce college expenses or get some more money in. Perhaps I should look into certified college planning to help me figure all this out — I don't think a school's financial aid department usually knows much more than how to fill out an application for a scholarship or a loan, and I need more specific help than that!