Open University funding

[wisewomen]

I am looking into starting a Degree with the Open University and have to say that it has really upset me that I cannot get any type of financial help with a course that is going to cost me �3,660.

I never went ti University when leaving school (now 27) as did not want the debt. I left school and worked hard to get where I am now earning �17,000. I have a mortgage and bills to pay and still cannot afford this course without getting to debt.

Why is education so expensive if it is so improtant and why are the hard working people of this country always the ones who feel let down?

[buildersmate]

Are you saying you cannot get a Student Loan? - because that's the way things work these days.
Been like it since the Government decided to expand the tertiary education market then realised that the Grant system that accompanies it wasn't affordable.
The days of the full student grant for those with limited financial means disappeared during the 1980s.

[wisewomen]

Can I get a student loan at 27 years of age and been in full time employment? How much would it be to pay it back? I dont suppose I could afford the repayments at the moment. I am not looking for the cost of the whole course just a bit of a reduction in the huge price to make it more affordable.

Ive never been keen on getting into debt and this is why I havent done it earlier. Have always been taught by my parents to not buy something if you cannot afford it and it has been a good way of life for me up until now so I struggle to justify any type of loan.

[MatydaLover]

Have you tried the OU for their advice? Whatever problems you have, they always have people who can offer advice.

I can only sympathise ... I started my degree with them 30 years ago when you didn't have to pay much. It took me 12 years for full honours, and I don't regret a minute.

Shame on this government sweeping to power on slogans like "Education, education, education" and forgetting to mention "Pay, pay, pay".

[wisewomen]

Have looked on their website and emailed them and seems Im only entitled to financial help from them if I am on benefits or earning under �15,000.

Ive worked hard to get were I am and am really disappointed that I now have to get into debt to better myself futher. My only other option is to lose my job and house and get on benfits and start again from the bottom!!!

[MatydaLover]

Now that is a sad comment on the state of things in England now. You work hard, yet still get paid less than most. The government's own figures say that below about �16,000 per household is the "poverty line". I suppose there's no chance your employer might contribute?

[wisewomen]

No chance! Plus it is not a course which is going to directly be of benefit to my current job. Would like to change direction slightly to increase my chances of promotion etc

Looks like im stuck here until I can save �3,660. Looks like our double glazing will have to wait!!!

[MatydaLover]

All I can do is to wish you the best of luck. I earned very little delivering milk for too many years, but I persevered with the OU and that led to a way into IT.

In spite of the mess our leaders are determined to make, education is the best way to develop yourself - and the OU is full of people with an ability to lead and inspire - students as well as staff. If you get in (I'm sure you will) you'll find a new world.

Good Luck.

[buildersmate]

You can ask the Student Loan company here.
http://www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk/portal/p age?_pageid=53,1259548&_dad=portal&_schema=POR TAL

But the OU must have heard of this one many times over before.

[froggequene]

I thought with the OU the courses were broken down into individual modules that you could pay for as you went along? Or do they require you to pay up front for the whole course?

[pastafreak]

You should only be paying around �565(as of last year) for each years module...and you can spread payments over 10 months...that is what I did for 3 years with them.

[wisewomen]

You can pay per module but you then pay 8.5% interest on the whole amount of the course. I cannot afford the course now without paying extra as well!!!

[Cakeboy]

Speak to the Student Loan company, I'm not sure of the rulings regarding an Open University course, but you only ask.

As regarding repayments, the interest rate is the same as inflation so in real terms your loan is free from interest and you will only pay back 9% of anything you earn over �15,000 a year. It's taken straight from your pay before you see it, so you don't have to worry about forgetting to pay and on your salary it would be repayments of �180 per year give or take a bit or �15 a month

[VICTIMS]

I have just started OU course and think i have been fortunate, i am at the moment on benefit, so do not need to pay for this year, about �500.
I was talking to friends, who have just finished Uni about the cost. None of them were concerned over thousands of �, of debt. They said it does not need to be repaid untill you were earning a certain amount, and the repayment spread over many years at a low rate.
I do not like debt, but they convinced me it was worth it.
Incidently i'm finding the coures enjoyable, but its so long since school, its hard work, i'm sure it's the same for us all.

[amonty1144]

You should be entitled to a career develoment loan, but this will only pay for 2 years study and does cover the OU, also repayments can be deferred.
Link below

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearni ng/AdultLearning/CareerDevelopmentLoans/DG_100 33240

[Houdi]

You can't get a loan from the Student Loans Company (SLC) as all study at the Open University (OU) is part time but you might get a grant.

The OU offers a scheme of fee and study expenditure support for modules of 30 points or more.

There's also another scheme for modules of less than 30 points.

For the bigger modules: If you are in receipt of one of the main state benefits you are very likely to be entitled to support.

If you don't get benefits you can still apply. If your household income is less than about �30,000 (higher if you have a partner or children that live with you) you're still likely to get support.
'Household' includes your partner's income if he/she lives with you. If you live alone you would qualify for full support under the income criterion.

There are other criteria to meet such as not being in debt to the SLC, not having a degree already but it's rare that anyone falls foul of these.

If you've applied and been refused the OU would have given the reason to you in writing. It's most likely you were refused for one of the following reasons:

1) You live with a partner and have a household income above the maximum limit.
2) You've lived outside the EU for a significant chunk of the last 3 years.

although, it could be something more obscure.

Education is expensive because it's valuable. I agree it's very important but, unfortunately, this doesn't directly affect how much it costs to pay tutors and produce course materials etc.

The prices can be brought down by government subsidy and they are already heavily subsidised.

You seem pretty down about missing out so I'd urge you to contact the OU to double check you can't get anything, especially if the reasons for ineligibility don't seem to fit your circumstances.

Good luck! I hope you work it out! :o)