Will FAFSA pay for a second bachelor's degree?

Yes, FAFSA can help pay for a second bachelor's degree, primarily through federal student loans, but eligibility for grants (like Pell Grants) and work-study is typically lost, and you're subject to aggregate loan limits from your first degree, so funding is more limited, requiring a FAFSA submission to determine eligibility.

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 lose eligibility for grants like the Pell Grant, and your total federal loan borrowing limit is affected by your first degree; you must complete the FAFSA and check with your school's financial aid office for specific options like work-study, scholarships, and military benefits (GI Bill). 

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.

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 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.

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

Can you get funding for a second undergrad degree?

If you already hold an honours degree or higher-level qualification and you're looking to re-skill or up-skill in subjects such as psychology, science, computing, maths, or healthcare, you could still be eligible for a tuition fee loan and funding to help with living costs.

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.

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. 

Is a 2nd bachelor's worth it?

If your first degree is unrelated to the field in which you wish to pursue a master's degree, a second degree can increase your chance for acceptance. Alternatively, if you graduated with a less than stellar GPA, a second bachelor's degree could help you strengthen your graduate school applications.

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.

Can you qualify for a Pell grant if you already have a bachelor's degree?

Once you have earned a bachelor's degree or your first professional degree, or you've used up all 12 semesters of your eligibility, you are no longer eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

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 another bachelor's degree if you already have one?

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. Accelerated programs typically remove general education courses or other requirements if you already have a bachelor's degree.

Can I do another undergraduate degree after graduating?

Yes, you absolutely can get a second bachelor's degree after graduating, which is a popular path for career changes, advancing in a field, or fulfilling graduate school prerequisites, often with transferred general education credits focusing studies on the new major. Universities typically require a different major and specific in-residence upper-division credits, so while your old courses count, you'll need to meet the requirements for the new field, potentially even taking exams like CLEP to speed up the process. 

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.

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.

Do employers prefer BA or BS?

Companies generally value both degrees and look for candidates who match the job requirements and company culture. A BS may be preferred for technical or analytical roles, while a BA can be a great fit for roles requiring strong communication and strategic thinking.

Why would someone get a second bachelor's degree?

Earning a second bachelor's works best when you want to switch careers or pursue a different kind of role in the same career field. This option allows you to select a new major that doesn't necessarily need to be related to your first degree.

What is the monthly payment on a $50,000 student loan?

A $50,000 student loan monthly payment varies significantly, but typically falls between $500 - $600 for a 10-year plan at average interest rates (like 5-7%), while income-driven plans (IDR) or longer terms (20+ years) can lower payments to $100s, depending on your income, interest rate, and loan type (federal vs. private). For instance, 10 years at 5% is around $530/month, but 20 years at 7% drops to about $387/month. 

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.

How many people have $100,000 in student loans?

Around 3.6 to 3.8 million federal student loan borrowers owe more than $100,000, representing about 7-8% of all borrowers, with data from late 2024/early 2025 showing this group holds a significant portion of the total federal debt, with some reports citing over 2.5 million specifically in the $100k-$200k range. 

Does FAFSA cover a second bachelor's degree?

Yes, you can get financial aid for a second bachelor's degree, primarily through federal student loans (Direct Loans) and private loans, but you lose eligibility for grants like the Pell Grant, and your total federal loan borrowing limit is affected by your first degree; you must complete the FAFSA and check with your school's financial aid office for specific options like work-study, scholarships, and military benefits (GI Bill). 

Which is the shortest bachelor's degree?

The fastest bachelor's degrees are typically found in accelerated online programs, with many completing in 2-3 years, and some even faster by leveraging prior credits (AP, CLEP, military, associate degrees) or through competency-based models, with popular subjects including Business, IT, Psychology, Marketing, and Liberal Arts, often with programs in 8-week terms or self-paced formats. 

What do you call a second bachelor's degree?

Or they can complete more than one baccalaureate degree (sometimes called dual degrees) with different major requirements. There may also be additional GE, college, or supplemental requirements that students need to complete. Students should consult with academic advisors if they want to pursue either of these options.