Financial issues and not even knowing where to start
So I just joined this community because, as you may have guessed, I'm interested in applying to grad school, for a variety of reasons. I've basically hit the cap on the salary I can make with the degree I have, in the field I want to work in. I have my BA in psychology and I'm thinking I'd like to stay in the mental health field (I worked for almost two years as a crisis counselor and then for a few months as a home-based counselor). I really enjoy the work, but I feel that a Master's degree is really going to help me be a better professional, and, let's face it, get the pay I need to live.
The thing is, I'm living paycheck to paycheck, and I'll be paying off my undergrad loans probably for the next ten years. I really, really want to start the process of applying to grad schools though. I've considered completing a FAFSA just to see what aid might be available to me, but I wasn't sure if I was going to need to put school names in to get an estimate, since I haven't even taken the GRE yet, let alone applied to schools. When I did it for undergrad I already knew what school I was going to.
Beyond that, I'm also having a hard time really pinpointing the right program for me. Like I said, I really enjoy mental health, but I've recently become interested in women's rights and human sexuality, so briefly looked at some human sexuality/sexuality education programs, but everywhere I look there only seem to be two of any program that really fits what I want in the entire country (or world), and of course they're all super expensive. I'll likely just shoot for an MA in community counseling or counseling psychology and try to work my way into a position that allows me to work with girls and/or women in a capacity that teaches body positivity and overall empowerment.
So, what are everyone's thoughts on trying to get a start on grad schools given my financial situation? Does anyone have any suggestions regarding programs, given my interests? I apologize if my question(s) is/are a bit vague and broad. I just really need some general information to help get me pointed in the right direction, and I greatly appreciate any advice anyone has. :)
The thing is, I'm living paycheck to paycheck, and I'll be paying off my undergrad loans probably for the next ten years. I really, really want to start the process of applying to grad schools though. I've considered completing a FAFSA just to see what aid might be available to me, but I wasn't sure if I was going to need to put school names in to get an estimate, since I haven't even taken the GRE yet, let alone applied to schools. When I did it for undergrad I already knew what school I was going to.
Beyond that, I'm also having a hard time really pinpointing the right program for me. Like I said, I really enjoy mental health, but I've recently become interested in women's rights and human sexuality, so briefly looked at some human sexuality/sexuality education programs, but everywhere I look there only seem to be two of any program that really fits what I want in the entire country (or world), and of course they're all super expensive. I'll likely just shoot for an MA in community counseling or counseling psychology and try to work my way into a position that allows me to work with girls and/or women in a capacity that teaches body positivity and overall empowerment.
So, what are everyone's thoughts on trying to get a start on grad schools given my financial situation? Does anyone have any suggestions regarding programs, given my interests? I apologize if my question(s) is/are a bit vague and broad. I just really need some general information to help get me pointed in the right direction, and I greatly appreciate any advice anyone has. :)