Can't get federal aid, best private loans?

[Wrestler133, BSN, MSN, RN]

I can't get any more federal aid because I already have a BS degree and recently got into a nursing program at a community college. I was told that I cant qualify for any federal aid and have to look into private loans. I was wondering what the best route is for this because I am totally uneducated on the subject.

I was wondering if anyone has gone through the same or knows what the best source for getting a private loan is. The program is very inexpensive and will mainly need money for room and board and other small expenses. Would banks or credit unions be a good place to ask? Thanks

[CrossCountryRN2008]

Apply through your bank that you check with

[Flnolegirl]

I am going through the same thing. My F.A. advisor recommended I try to get a private loan through Wells Fargo or Sallie Mae. Hope this helps.

[mrsboots87]

I was under the mpression that you cannot get anymore grants once you have earned a BS, but can still get loans as long as your entire balance doesn't exceed $57,000 between the first and second degree. This could have changed, or I could be wrong, but maybe ask about that. It would be the same FAFSA filing.

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

I was under the mpression that you cannot get anymore grants once you have earned a BS, but can still get loans as long as your entire balance doesn't exceed $57,000 between the first and second degree. This could have changed, or I could be wrong, but maybe ask about that. It would be the same FAFSA filing.

Nobody in my undergrad nursing program could get any federal financial aid if they had already earned another undergrad degree.

[flyersfan88]

I qualified for federal loans for my 2nd degree, just not grants. However, I had no loans ever for my first bachelors. Fill out your FAFSA anyway.

[angrykitten]

I had federal loans from my first degree and was eligible for more for nursing, up to the $57000 max.

[203bravo, MSN, APRN]

The issue is that the OP already has BS and has exceeded the number of hours allowable for federal loans at the Associate level degree. That's the reason that S(he) is being told that they can't qualify.

If S(he) were going for a 2nd BS - then they would be able to obtain the loans until the cap is reached.

The program is just not designed for a student to work at what they consider backwards. Once a student has >90 credit hours - they are no longer eligible for federal loans while working toward an associate degree.

[Shorty11, BSN, RN]

I have a previous BS degree. I payed for this degree using a combination of federal loans, grants, & scholarships. I was ineligible for additional federal aid to go to school for an associates degree in nursing after already having received a bachelors in another subject. I was however eligible for additional federal aid/loans to obtain a second bachelors degree, this time in nursing. If finances are an issue, maybe you should go for your BSN in order to be eligible for federal student loans? Just a friendly suggestion.. I realize this may not be feasible. Honestly, I am not experienced in private student loans, but I hear other students talking about Wells Fargo & other similar banks. Best of luck!

[jackiei3]

Whatever you do, do not go with Wells Fargo. They practically rape you with interest. When I was a freshman I made the mistake of taking out a loan with them. Your personal bank should have some good loans for you to take out with low interest. (Not that loans are ever good, but you know what I mean.)

[fetch, BSN, RN]

Avoid Sallie Mae if you can! They will jerk you around and do everything they can to get you to pay more each month - and good luck trying to get any help when you have an issue. My federal loans got sold to Nelnet and they have been great so far for customer service, I don't know if they do private loans too, but if your bank doesn't work I'd recommend Nelnet over Sallie Mae in a heartbeat.

[Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN]

I like Wells fargo Medcap loan. They give you 6 months grace after graduation!