[patticaryl]

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

I hate to be negative with you again, I had a horrible experience with schools in Florida. College, work, and cost of living were the three things that made me leave.

I had very good SAT scores and had a B average and was not able to get into ANY Florida universities. They all sent me a paper telling me to go to community college and that If I did well there I could get in.

The only problem for me was that I was from a low income family and was depending on getting into a state college so that I could have room and board.

That's the main reason I ended up in Tennessee at TSU because my financial aid covered every cost and I was able to stay in the dorms. Little did I know that I'd get to Nashville and walk into a Kroger Grocery store and walk out making $12.50 an hour and be able to afford my own place.

If I were you, I'd look into the cost of alot of Florida colleges and universities, they aren't cheap like TSU was/is.

I have to tell you, Ryan........nothing could beat the cost of TSU for me. I am white, and since TSU is predominantly black, I received a minority scholorship to attend there. It was great! And has provided me with a great career. What degree are you heading for?
I know that there are many choices we could make as to where to live. But maybe, for us, this is the best time for us to afford a home close to the beach We really miss it, but you are giving me some concerns to ponder over for my son relocating with us. And we have 4 years of high school for my daughter before college days. I am sure it will work out.
Well, guess I better get on to some more chores.
Have a great day, and nice "talking" with you.

[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by patticaryl

I have to tell you, Ryan........nothing could beat the cost of TSU for me. I am white, and since TSU is predominantly black, I received a minority scholorship to attend there. It was great! And has provided me with a great career. What degree are you heading for?

I never applied for the minority scholorship I didn't need it. My EFC on my FAFSA was 0.

I graduated in 2006 with a BBA in Business Management.

I've since decided to go back to school but I'm not sure yet for what. I'm working in the construction field so maybe that.

[Ready2Retire]

The SCEP program with the Federal Government is a great deal. Our friend's son went through it. To be accepted into the program you had to have an associate's degree (two years). I assume it's still the same. They paid all his tuition and books after he was accepted into the program for his final two years of school. He had to maintain, I think, a 2.85 GPA and work for them in the summer (related to his field of study). He did get paid also for his summer work on base. As soon as he graduated, he was a full-time Civil Service Employee who was already comfortable in his new job! Great benefits, retirement and pay. He had to stay with Civil Service, I think, a year for each year they paid his tuition/books.

It's very difficult today to get on with Civil Service but this is a way to get in. If interested in working on a military facility, like Eglin, Hurlburt or the Pensacola Naval Station (in this area), the best thing to do would be to read up on the SCEP Program and then call and make an appointment with the office of Civilian Personnel. That would be the same for any military facility. If interested in a different government agency, just call their personnel office concerning this program. Make and appointment and have them go over the program and explain how it works and see what are the benefits. I think most government agencies have a SCEP program; the FBI, CIA, etc. It's better if you talk to them before you even start your associate's degree so you know in what direction to go, or if already enrolled in school, talk to them ASAP before you have finished your two years.

scep program - Google Search

I hope this makes sense and is helpful to someone.

[BornInFL]

$9/hr for a Bachelors Degree isnt typical though. C'mon now.

[BornInFL]

"I graduated in 2006 with a BBA in Business Management."

TNRyan, I have a Biz degree, graduated same yr. Why not use it? I'm in CM now, making good buckage. You can too.

[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by BornInFL

"I graduated in 2006 with a BBA in Business Management."

TNRyan, I have a Biz degree, graduated same yr. Why not use it? I'm in CM now, making good buckage. You can too.

It's all about the market right now. I'm not ready to pack up and leave and the construction market here is pretty dried up.

[BornInFL]

But you can use your BBA degree, why not?

[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by BornInFL

But you can use your BBA degree, why not?

I am using my degree. I'm not technically a CM in the traditional sense but I do alot of the same duties and get decent pay. I'm gaining my experience right now. Experience is pretty valuable and I'm comfortable right now.

[patticaryl]

I wonder, do nurses seem to make a good income in the area? I have almost 20 years experience and in NM make about 65,000/year. Any comparisons?

[BornInFL]

RN's make less in most cases. In FL, and the rest of the Southeast, you are probably looking at $50K