Why can't you get Financial Aid with a Bachelors Degree?

[thewoods4]

Hi there! I just received a Bachelors Degrees of Science in Health Care Administration, and now I am wanting to go for the Associate Degree of Nursing and become an RN at the local Technical College with a great nursing program. I visited the financial aid office today and she stated that since I have a Bachelors Degree I do not qualify for Federal assistance, as I had in the past with the Pell grant and the Stafford loan. She stated my options now are, private loans, such as Sallie Mae and Wells Fargo. Is there any other financial assistance that anybody else knows of that I missed? If it helps I live in Georgia. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I think if I had financial aid the first time around I'd agree 100%, however if someone wants to strive for higher education the gov should back you

Why should the government (read, Taxpayers) back you?

Currently, there are substantial numbers of former students that are not paying back loans, there are people protesting to have educational loans "forgiven", etc.

When those that came before us are defaulting on their obligations, it affects our current ability to get help. There is also substantial evidence that plenty of those in nursing school are not being easily hired, so there is no current "shortage" argument.

While it seems unfair, that you paid for the original degree in full, it still does not mean that you should get financing now. Sad, and unfair, but true.

[reagansm]

Pell grant, I believe, is only available for your first degree. In my community college once you have 90 credit hours you no longer qualify for financial aid. Since, I have a degree (Bachelor of Fine Arts) I do not qualify for financial aide (and I have significantly less funding now than I did as an 18 year old. I am living with my parents, working part time and borrowing money from my credit union. I do know some people who are working full time, but I know a lot that are getting help from their parents in one way or another.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

I'd like some too for my MSN but, oh well.

I'm paying tuition out of my savings and paying several thousand $$ in taxes too this year.

That's life in a free society.

[aneres1390]

if u apply as a transfer student, u might be able to get some grants. I had a bachelors degree and went back to the same school i attended previously as a transfer BSN nursing student, instead of paying $45,000 per yr (out of state tution), I got $40,000 in grants and $5,000 federal loan

[Pneumothorax, BSN, RN]

Why should the government (read, Taxpayers) back you?

Currently, there are substantial numbers of former students that are not paying back loans, there are people protesting to have educational loans "forgiven", etc.

When those that came before us are defaulting on their obligations, it affects our current ability to get help. There is also substantial evidence that plenty of those in nursing school are not being easily hired, so there is no current "shortage" argument.

While it seems unfair, that you paid for the original degree in full, it still does not mean that you should get financing now. Sad, and unfair, but true.

Yeah, thank u ppl who didn't pay before lol . Thank you who ever said there was a nursing shortage, & there not be one so the market is saturated. Meh.

( I see what your saying)

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

I can't decide if this is one of those threads intended to incite a riot.

If it is, I will comply.

Whatever happened to paying your own way?

Especially for a second degree.

[Twinmom06, ASN, APN]

i have a BA also and am only eligible for federal loans (same as I was last time around as at 18 with dual income parents I didn't qualify for anything but loans, and I only took out one small loan - the rest my parents and I split the costs of tuition)...

and I have to file waivers and cannot take any other classes other than the ones I need for my ASN

[lrobinson5]

Isn't there a loan program for students that promise to work in an underserved area for a set amount of time? I can't remember the name but maybe someone might recognize what I'm talking about.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

Isn't there a loan program for students that promise to work in an underserved area for a set amount of time? I can't remember the name but maybe someone might recognize what I'm talking about.

Yes, HRSA- Health Resources and Services Administration.

Shortage Designation: Health Professional Shortage Areas & Medically Underserved Areas/Populations

They have programs to repay some loans in exchange for a period of service.

[Katie71275]

Im a post-Bachelor's student, and I have to use loans. BUT you may be eligible for some scholarships so try for those!

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

For first time undergraduates it's hard enough as it is to get enough financial aid to cover the cost of tuition nowadays. Imagine how little everyone would get if they covered 2nd or 3rd undergraduate degrees. I almost want to tell you not to be greedy but I would suggest looking into an entry level masters nursing program as I believe you should be eligible for more financial aid as a grad student.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

For first time undergraduates it's hard enough as it is to get enough financial aid to cover the cost of tuition nowadays. Imagine how little everyone would get if they covered 2nd or 3rd undergraduate degrees.

The rules are to prevent the government funding lifetime students. Can always take advantage of Lifetime Learning Credit on your taxes.