Financial Aid for those already w/ a BA?

[krimicrat]

Hi! My name is Kristi. I received a BA in 1997, and a law degree in 2002, and now wish to get an AA in nursing science. The financial aid office at the school I wish to attend is telling me that because I already have 100 hours of college credit, I can not get any loans for the 14 hours of science courses needed to get into the nursing program (they are not required, but due to the points system they have you really need to have them completed before you apply).

Does this sound right to you all? I have never received financial aid before, so I don't know if this is right. Over 19 hours of general ed requirements will transfer from my undergrad to this new school, but the additional 14 hours of science courses I will need to fund some how. I am really saddened at the thought of not being able to get loans for these courses b/c I can not afford to pay for them on my DH's salary alone.

Any thoughts? TIA!

[jrinct]

Hi -- I have a BA also and am starting an AS program in nursing this August. I've never used student aid before, and when I applied for it, my community college told me I was not eligible for any grants or subsidized loans, but I could still apply for an unsubsidized federal Stafford loan. You might want to clarify that with your school. Ask them about unsubsidized loans. Also, I was told I had to be enrolled in at least 6 credits' worth of classes at a time to get a loan.

I never tried to get aid for any non-nursing classes at the associate's degree level, so I'm not sure if that's the cause for any problem with securing loans if you already have another degree.

Good luck!

[jpeters84]

My school sent me a letter saying I wasn't eligible but when I called them and complained that they should have told me this prior to accepting me they somehow made it happen. I'm not sure how, but I now get grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Keep calling your financial aid office and talking to different people until you get someone sympathetic to your situation that can find loopholes or ways to make it happen for you. There's obviously some way if I can get loans after having two bachelor degrees. This probably isn't very helpful but I just wanted to let you know that it can be done. Good luck to you!

[liz0105]

I also have a BA in another discipline... starting an ADN program in the Fall. When I spoke to the Financial Aid Director at my school regarding aid, she said that since I already have a Bachelor's degree, I am ineligible for the Pell Grant, which uses Federal funds. However, I am cleared to apply for the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan - and have done so. Depending on your 'financial need', determined by the FAFSA, you may also be eligible for the Subsidized Stafford Loan, where the government pays the interest. Each nursing school also has Federal Nursing Loans, which are a separate application.

If you still need more funds and have exhausted the federal funds route, you can look into private student loans - though the interest rates are much higher...

Definitely speak to your financial aid contact in person, if possible... once they have an understanding of your situation, they can advocate on your behalf to lenders or suggest funding alternatives... Good luck!