Can you use FAFSA to get a second bachelor's degree?

Yes, you can use the FAFSA for a second bachelor's degree, primarily for federal student loans (Direct Loans) and work-study, as you're still considered an undergraduate, but you are not eligible for Pell Grants, and your loan eligibility is limited by lifetime borrowing caps from your first degree. You must fill out the FAFSA to determine your remaining eligibility, and schools often require extra forms for second-degree students.

Will FAFSA pay for two bachelor's degrees?

Yes, you can get financial aid for a second bachelor's degree, primarily through federal student loans (Direct Loans) and private loans, but you'll likely lose access to grants like the Pell Grant and will be subject to lifetime borrowing limits, so filing the FAFSA is essential to check your remaining eligibility and explore options like scholarships, work-study, or employer assistance. 

How can I pay for a second bachelor's degree?

Type of Aid for a Second Undergraduate Degree

1. Federal Grants for a Second Undergraduate Degree. ...
2. Federal Student Loans for a Second Undergraduate Degree. ...
3. Federal Work-Study for a Second Undergraduate Degree. ...
4. State and Institutional Financial Aid. ...
5. Scholarships. ...
6. Private Student Loans. ...
7. Attend Your Program Half- or Part-time.

Can you get funding for a second bachelor's?

While some federal funding options, like the Pell Grant, aren't available for second bachelor's degrees, you still have several funding options. Many students combine federal student loans, private student loans, and employer tuition assistance programs.

Can you get funding for a second undergrad degree?

Short answer: Yes -- but availability, eligibility, and competitiveness vary widely. Pursuing a second bachelor's degree can qualify for scholarships, grants, loans, or employer funding depending on country, institution, funding source, and your circumstances. Below is a practical roadmap to find and secure support.

Can I Get Financial Aid For A Second Bachelor's Degree? - Aspiring Teacher Guide

How to afford a second bachelor's degree?

Students pursuing their second bachelor's degree are eligible for a limited number of federal financial aid programs, specifically Federal Direct Loans. Parents of dependent* students may also borrow Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans. Merit-based scholarships are also available for those meeting the listed criteria.

Is it smart to get a second bachelor's degree?

Furthering your education in any form can offer valuable benefits for your personal development and your career. Pursuing a second bachelor's degree can provide the freedom to expand your career in new directions, whether you're looking to enter a new field or reach a higher level in your current field.

What is the $5500 student loan?

A "$5,500 student loan" most commonly refers to the maximum annual Direct Unsubsidized Loan limit for first-year undergraduate students or the maximum subsidized amount for junior/senior years in a Federal Direct Loan package, with amounts increasing in later years, but it's part of a larger borrowing structure defined by your school's financial aid offer after filling out the FAFSA. It's a low-interest federal loan, with subsidized versions paid by the government while you're in school (if you have need) and unsubsidized versions accruing interest immediately. 

Will tuition assistance pay for a second bachelor's degree?

Let's tackle a common question about Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) 𝐌𝐘𝐓𝐇: I can use FTA to obtain a second Bachelor's degree if I didn't use it for my first Bachelor's. 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓: FTA cannot be used towards courses leading to a degree that is lower or lateral to a degree you already have.

How can I get a second bachelor's degree?

Second Bachelor's Degree

If you have earned a previous baccalaureate degree, and wish to pursue a second, you must complete a minimum of 24 additional credits in the area of study/core beyond the date your most recent undergraduate degree was completed.

How many years is a 2nd bachelor's degree?

You can earn a second bachelor's degree in 1-2 years. You'll probably need to complete at least 30-36 credits, the equivalent of all your major courses, and your new school will give you credit for the core and elective courses you've already completed.

How much does a second degree cost?

Home tuition fees

This is because the government's Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) policy excludes students studying for an award equivalent to, or lower than, the qualification they already hold from the standard regulated fee. The 2026-27 Home fee for students taking a second undergraduate degree is £13,842.

Can you get a scholarship for a second bachelor's?

Financial aid for a second bachelor's degree can include work-study, scholarships, federal student loans, and student aid for military spouses. You can think of your financial aid award as a jigsaw puzzle — the individual pieces fit together to form your award.

Will FAFSA know if I have a bachelor's degree?

The FAFSA asks if you already have your first bachelor's degree when the applicable academic year begins. It also asks for your college grade level.

Will FAFSA cover a second bachelor's?

Yes, you can get financial aid for a second bachelor's degree, primarily through federal student loans (Direct Loans) and private loans, but you'll likely lose access to grants like the Pell Grant and will be subject to lifetime borrowing limits, so filing the FAFSA is essential to check your remaining eligibility and explore options like scholarships, work-study, or employer assistance. 

Will student finance cover a second degree?

You'll normally only get student finance for your first degree or higher education qualification, even if you studied a long time ago, or if the course was abroad. The number of years that you can get a Tuition Fee Loan for is normally calculated as: length of current course + one year – years of previous study.

Does FAFSA pay for dual degrees?

Will FAFSA Cover Two Bachelor's Degrees? Your FAFSA may apply for both degrees if you earn them simultaneously through a dual degree program. If you return to school for a second bachelor's degree, restrictions may prevent you from applying for financial aid.

How much is a $30,000 student loan per month?

A $30,000 student loan payment varies significantly but typically falls between $300 and $400 monthly for a 10-year term, depending on the interest rate (e.g., $318 at 5% or $348 at 7%). Longer terms (20-25 years) lower payments but increase total interest, while shorter, aggressive repayment (5-7 years) raises monthly costs for faster payoff. Key factors are your interest rate and repayment plan length, with options like standard 10-year, extended, or income-driven plans available.
 

What is the lifetime limit for FAFSA?

You can receive the Pell Grant for no more than 12 terms or the equivalent (roughly six years). This is called the Federal Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU). You'll receive a notice if you're getting close to your limit. If you have any questions, contact your school's financial aid office.

Do parents who make $120000 still qualify for FAFSA?

Yes, parents making $120,000 can still qualify for federal student aid through the FAFSA, as there is no income cut-off for filing; eligibility depends on the new Student Aid Index (SAI), which considers income, assets, family size, and the college's cost, potentially qualifying you for federal loans, work-study, and even some grants. 

Do employers prefer BA or BS?

Employers generally care more about your major, skills, and experience than the BA vs. BS distinction, but a Bachelor of Science (BS) can be crucial in technical fields (like engineering or hard sciences) for signaling deeper quantitative/lab skills, while a Bachelor of Arts (BA) is fine for broader roles, though the core difference lies in course focus (liberal arts vs. technical). A BS often includes more math/science/lab work, which can be preferred or required for STEM jobs, but otherwise, your portfolio, internships, and proven abilities often outweigh the "A" or "S". 

Does it take 4 years to get a second bachelor's degree?

Bachelor's degree programs typically take four years to complete, but earning a second bachelor's is often faster. Thanks to accelerated bachelor's programs, you can earn a second bachelor's in as little as a year and usually no more than two years.

Is two bachelor's better than a master's?

A second bachelor's may be ideal if you're looking to change careers or study a new field. On the other hand, a master's degree may be the better choice for you if you plan to advance your studies in the same field in which you've already earned a bachelor's degree.