FAFSA: What is my grade level?

coast2coast · Jan 10, 2011

I think you have to take into account how many years you have already put in as an undergraduate. If you graduated from a BA program (and it took you 4 or more years), it would make you "5th year/other undergraduate" ... I think.

This status could definitely impact your eligibility for aid ... it would probably be worth some effort to either call the college you'll be attending OR see if you can find a gov't phone number that connects you with a human being who knows something about FAFSA (a daunting prospect I know).

Good luck !

chicagoing, ADN, RN · Jan 10, 2011

I took 4 years to complete my BS (non-nursing). If I took into account all of the credits I have at the community college, I would probably be a 7th or 8th year student :uhoh3: :uhoh3:

I was not seeking a degree at the community college; I was just simply bored working 9-5 and used these community college courses to feed my brain.

I am almost certain I would not be eligible for aid if I were seeking another bachelors, but for some reason, I believed that pursuing an associates degree was viewed slightly differently.

I think I'll try contacting the college's financial aid office first. Thanks!

KFoss · Jan 11, 2011

Could you post the answer that you get? I have been wondering this myself!

Thanks!!

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2011

I wonder too. You may not eligible for grants unless you were to apply for graduate aid.. but I bet you could get loans. (Just a hunch, I have nothing to back that up)

chicagoing, ADN, RN · Jan 11, 2011

I'm just crossing my fingers that I'll be eligible for unsubsidized student loans (I had Stafford Loans when I was an UG student).

Grants and subsidized loans would be helpful, but I feel that at least I already had the opportunity to go to college and graduate with a (first) degree, while some people never even had that opportunity.

KFoss · Jan 12, 2011

From what I have heard, as a second degree you can't get anything other than loans. However, you still do have to fill out the FAFSA to get sub or unsub loans.

Also, isn't there a special nursing loan program for people who have used up their stafford loans?

zbb13 · Jan 12, 2011

I have a Bachelor's degree, applied for FAFSA, and then was notified that I am NOT eligible for Pell Grants or our Illinois Grants. Oh well, big bubble burster. I do believe you will find some type of loan from them, but I am not sure it will be the type you want. Do your research, there are other scholarships out there.

Does anyone know if we would be eligible for the Pells, etc. if we were going for a graduate degree???

Joie_de_vivre · Apr 22, 2011

Hello, this may be a little late, but for future applicants: you should put "working on 2nd bachelor degree (if it is a bachelor degree of course)" and grade level would be "5th year/other undegraduate". Although it may be your 1st year after your bachelor's degree, the program would not be considered "working on master's degree"- unless of course it is a master's degree program. I was a little confused myself, as I too have a BS from another school, and am working towards my BSN now.

The financial aid office of one of the schools I have applied to, notified me of my mistake on my submitted fafsa. I had to correct both answers before they could proceed with my financial aid package.

Furthermore, this website might help, it's an example of what I'm talking about:

View "Application Process"

https://www.luc.edu/finaid/specialprograms_absn.shtml

hope this helps! when all else fails, just call the financial aid office of the school you are applying too... :twocents:

FAFSA: What is my grade level?

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