I decided I want to go back to college. I was going a few years ago, but the math requirement was something I could not pass so I stopped. Now I moved and found an Associates Degree with very little math needed cause it is a business degree.

Of course, when I was going to school before the FAFSA covered all the costs of going because I am married and have 4 people in my household. Last year (2007) I came into some money and I had to file a 2007 tax return which now says that my income for last year was something like $50,000. Of course I don't have this money now and it really stinks that they go off of last years taxes, but they do.

So, now to be able to get the FASFA again I would have to wait until the 2009-2010 FAFSA comes out so they can count my 2008 income instead of my 2007 income, but I really do not want to have to wait till 2010 to start back at school. I would like to start back Fall of 2008.

How can I get a loan for school for one year? I am going to an in state/county school and the cost shouldn't be more then $10K. What loan do I go with? Does credit matter on loans? And do I have to fill out a FAFSA to get a loan? Of course if a loan says my income for last year that would help to get the loan then it would be helpful for me. Any thoughts and ideas would be great.

Fill out your FAFSA for this year anyway, you should still qualify for stafford loans. Stafford loans are not based on credit. A quick google search will turn up the limits for each year as they vary by credits earned. (keep in mind that those amounts are split between semesters). Your other option is private loans...which are credit based, and offered by various banks. those half less desirable terms, which is why I said try for the stafford loans first.

My parents have me on their income (everyone does until they are married or 24, or have special circumstances) in regards to FAFSA, and they make about $1/2 million per year, and I am still eligible for unsubsidized stafford loans. Freshmen get $3,500 per year, Sophomores get $4,500 per year, and Juniors and Seniors get $5,500 per year (split between two or three semesters, depending on how your school disburses loan funds). You can do that this year, and then when your "income" goes back down on your taxes, you'll be eligible for more.

Otherwise, private loans it is! I, personally, am looking to take out the full cost of attendance because I live on my own and it's hard to go to school full-time and work full-time to support myself, too...so I'm looking at Bank Of America, Chase, and Wachovia. Those seem to be the best....but whatever, you do, don't go to any kind of lender like Astrive, Sallie Mae, etc... they will screw you on interest and fees, even if they DO get you approved.