Will financial aid pay for 2 degrees?

Financial aid can cover a second bachelor's degree, but eligibility changes significantly: Pell Grants and most other undergraduate grants usually end after your first bachelor's, limiting aid to federal loans (Direct Loans), private loans, and scholarships, with loans subject to overall borrowing limits. You generally qualify for aid if the second degree is in a different field or a higher level (like a Master's), but not for a second degree in the exact same area or if you've completed all coursework for a first degree.

Will financial aid 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). 

Can you get funding for a 2nd degree?

If you already have a degree

You may also get limited funding if you hold an Honours degree or a higher level of qualification and start a new course. This could be a part-time Honours degree, a joint Honours degree or an Integrated Master's degree in one of the following (or 2 if it's a joint Honours degree):

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 many degrees will FAFSA pay for?

The amount of federal financial aid you can receive is not determined by the number of degrees you're pursuing, but rather by your eligibility and the cost of attendance at your school. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) doesn't directly cover the cost of degrees.

3 FAFSA secrets to help you get the most financial aid

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.

Can you get scholarships for a second degree?

Scholarships are the best resource to find financial aid for a second Bachelor's degree. Many undergraduate scholarships require that students are accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate program. Luckily, candidacy is not based on a prior Bachelor's.

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 I have to pay for my second degree?

The UK government will not provide funding for fees or living costs for students taking second qualifications, apart from for a few specific subjects. This means if you already have a degree you will have to pay for your own fees and living costs.

Do I qualify for FAFSA if I already have a bachelor's degree?

You can qualify for federal student loans and grants if you're pursuing your first undergraduate, or bachelor's, degree. Students aren't eligible for the majority of federal grants for a second bachelor's degree, but could still qualify for federal student loans.

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.

How much does a second degree cost in the UK?

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.

How much is the monthly payment on a 30k student loan?

A $30,000 student loan's monthly payment varies but typically falls between $300-$400 for a 10-year term, depending on the interest rate (e.g., about $318 at 5% or $341 at 6.53%), while longer terms (like 20 years) lower payments (e.g., around $230-$250) but increase total interest paid. Factors like interest rate (credit score dependent) and repayment plan (standard, income-driven, extended) significantly impact costs, with shorter terms and lower rates resulting in lower overall interest. 

How can I get funding for a second degree?

A second degree loan is a tuition fee loan given to those who already have a degree, but are now looking to obtain one in a different subject. Second degree loans are not available for all subjects – they must be included on a list of subjects, pre-approved by the Government.

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. 

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.

Which is better, 2.1 or 2.2 degrees?

A 2.1 (Upper Second Class) is generally better than a 2.2 (Lower Second Class) because it signifies stronger academic performance, opening more doors for competitive graduate jobs, prestigious postgraduate courses, and often leading to higher lifetime earnings, though a 2.2 can still be successful with relevant experience, especially in less competitive fields or universities. The 2.1 is a standard benchmark for many top employers and Master's programs, while a 2.2 meets basic requirements but places you at a disadvantage in highly selective applications, notes LondonDE International. 

What are the requirements for a second 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.

Can you do 2 degrees at once in the UK?

A degree earned in the UK is highly valued by employers the world over. Apart from this, students who wish to study in UK can pursue two distinct degrees at partner universities, these are referred to as dual degrees.

How to get financial aid for a second degree?

Second-degree students are only eligible for federal loans or to pursue private loan options. Loan eligibility will be based on what you have borrowed as an undergraduate student, and when looking at loan limits, you would reference the chart here for third-year and beyond undergraduate limit.

Is $40,000 in student debt bad?

$40k in student debt isn't inherently "bad," but it's significant and manageable depending on your post-graduation salary and financial goals; ideally, your total student loan debt shouldn't exceed your first-year earnings, and payments should be under 20% of your income, so a $40k loan is great if you earn $60k+ but challenging if you only earn $30k, requiring focus on income, repayment plans, and avoiding default. 

Can you get student loans for a second bachelor's?

Even if you've reached your borrowing limit for federal loans, it's still possible to get student loans for a second bachelor's degree. Private lenders have no hard limits on how much you can borrow, so your federal borrowing limit won't affect your ability to receive private student loans.

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 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.

Can I do another undergraduate degree if I already have one?

Yes, getting another bachelor's degree after graduating from college is possible. It's a great opportunity to learn new skills and gain knowledge of a new subject.