Calling all Associate's Degree Students that already have a Bachelor's degree!

leenak · May 6, 2011

From my understanding, you are not eligible for grants but you would be eligible for loans. So I'd do your FAFSA and see what happens.

2ndyearstudent, CNA · May 6, 2011

Hi all! I'm looking for students who have been accepted to an AAS program at a local community college. My problem is that I have been accepted to Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, but since I already have a Bachelor's degree, I've been told by someone in financial aid that I can't get any student aid.

I am in the same boat. I have a Bachelors of Science in Engineering and am going to graduate with an ASN on May 16.

I was always auto rejected for any student aid due to the number of undergrad credits I already have and I had to fill out waiver forms just to get Federal Student Loans - which I did get after filing the requisite paperwork.

I also found that the people reviewing scholarships don't have much love for a middle aged male ex-engineer no matter my GPA, honors, or volunteering activities.

I'm glad my future employers will be paying for my BSN education!

Good luck. Those loans are bearing down on me fast.

anon695 · May 6, 2011

I already had a BA when I applied to my local CC. I was not eligible for any financial aid, they even told me when I turned in the application "don't bother applying for aid, you can't get anything". Well I'd saved money for years, and that's what I paid for the degree with. My advise to any second degree students is that unless you want to be hassled by collections companies for the next few decades, avoid loans at all costs. Just save and pay for it, or see if you have a relative who will front you the money.

sandyfeet · May 6, 2011

I have a Bachelors and am one year into an ADN program. I was not eligible for any grants but was able to take out loans. I have to fill out a waiver explaining why I am still going to school after completing so many credits, but I always am eligible for loans. Perhaps it is on a school-by-school or state-by-state basis, but in my case your financial aid officer was completely wrong.

kammel · May 6, 2011

hey guys thanks very much!

where did you sign the waiver form? was it at your school or through the gov't, etc?

Yeah my school is weird, I submitted my fafsa and everything, they said it looks good, then I called them when I didn't hear anything back, and someone just told me I wasn't eligible for any type of aid because I had a degree already. I find it sooo hard to believe!

thanks again

kammel · May 6, 2011

btw I did hear about the fact that I wouldn't be eligible for grants, but I've tried to apply for loans through Sallie Mae, Chase, and Citibank and my school doesn't come up on their list of participators. Are any of you specifically going to Southwest TCC in memphis by any chance?

sandyfeet · May 6, 2011

hey guys thanks very much!
where did you sign the waiver form? was it at your school or through the gov't, etc?
Yeah my school is weird, I submitted my fafsa and everything, they said it looks good, then I called them when I didn't hear anything back, and someone just told me I wasn't eligible for any type of aid because I had a degree already. I find it sooo hard to believe!
thanks again

The waiver was though my school's financial aid office (in CA). I just did my FAFSA as usual and then followed up with my school. Let me just say, financial aid was one of the biggest nightmares about this program, not because of my BA but because of their poor communication! I had to go into the office several times before I had all of the right forms filled out because each time there was suddenly something new that was holding up my application! So keep pressing them and don't give up because sometimes you will get different answers from the same office!

Samantha79 · May 6, 2011

You will have to fill out an "hours waiver" which you get from your FA office at the school. Usually it has to go before a board to get approved. This is the same nightmare I went through while taking my pre-reqs at a local CC. IT WAS AWFUL and they somehow never covered the cost of the classes. Once I transfered to the university I'm at now (it's an ADN program) I've had enough to cover the costs and then some. CC's just blow when it comes to FA. Good luck. You will have to jump through multiple flaming hoops before you get your loan. Also I suggest asking to speak to the supervisor or manager. A lot of times the people sitting at the front desk don't have all the correct information.

Kringe38 · May 6, 2011

I have a Bachelor's and am about to graduate with an Associate's in nursing. I wasn't eligible for any grants but was able to get loans after filling out my FAFSA. If you have a low enough income, you might be eligible for help through your state. I got help through my state's workforce program.

newRNstudent02 · May 8, 2011

In CA, you can fill out a BOGW. This waiver covers the cost of tuition.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · May 8, 2011

The California BOGW does cover enrollment/tuition fees. Even if you have a Bachelor's Degree, you may still qualify for the waiver. It's worth at least applying for it...