Reader TTS

If you’re studying more than half time at participating schools, you can also take out a federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (studentaid.ed.gov). Go to Edvisors.com, Fastweb.org, and FinAid.org

for information on scholarships and grants for older students. Some state schools offer free or discounted tuition for older students. CONSIDER APPLYING FOR A STAFFORD LOAN. Although it

might be tempting to borrow from your home equity, you’re better off with a low-interest Stafford loan (staffordloan.com). If you meet a financial needs test, the government will pay the

interest as long as you’re enrolled in school. Rates are fixed for the life of the loan, but the rate for new loans will change annually. Many private lenders also offer loans, though rates

will be higher. Community college courses are typically a few hundred dollars per credit, and certificate programs are mostly cheaper and more focused on the professional skills you want to

add now than a degree program. Online webinars and workshops offered by industry associations are other avenues. TAP INTO ONLINE COURSES. Some resources that can help: AARP Learn @50+

(aarptek.aarp.org), Coursera (coursera.org), CreativeLive (creativelive.com), Khan Academy (khanacademy.org), Lynda.com and Udemy (udemy.com). BE PRACTICAL. Get a grip on the precise degrees

or certifications required for your new endeavor. Certain fields — such as health care, counseling and technology — often require advanced training for certain jobs. If you’d like to go to

graduate school, perhaps start by taking a night course. And beware of spending big bucks on advanced degrees, when a couple of courses or a certificate program will do. DO YOUR DUE

DILIGENCE. You can earn a certificate in art appraisal, bookkeeping, eco-landscaping, fitness training, financial planning, fundraising, home modification, and restaurant operations, to name

a few. And employers and clients are increasingly accepting professional certifications as proof of someone’s understanding of a subject area. That said, talk to employers about the value

of the programs. Track down a few certificate holders, if possible, and find out how the credential has helped them in their job search and new career path. RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS.

These, too, are available for older students, usually offered by associations, colleges, religious groups, and foundations. Try sites such as Fastweb.com to find what’s available.