Considering dropping out of school

[nursingstudent58]

Okay, so here’s the deal. I’ve wanted to be a nurse for quite some time, and I’ve gotten most of my pre requisites down. I just started a&p 1, and I’m set to start core nursing classes in September. My grades are fine; I’m a decent student when I put the time into studying and dedicate myself to the classes. The problem is my financial situation. I live in a single parent household, and my mom is unable to contribute anything to college, nor would I let her. We live paycheck to paycheck, but on paper it looks like she makes decent money, so FAFSA only covers 1/3 of my tuition. The majority of our money goes to her medical bills because she’s got a condition that isn’t going to disappear. I’ve applied for scholarships, talked to financial aid, I’ve done everything except take out student loans, but my mom would have to co-sign, and that’s something I don’t want her to have to deal with as she’s already got enough to worry about. I work now, and I cover my bills every month, but I have to come up with more money than I can possibly handle here within the next few months just to ensure that I have a spot in nursing school/summer classes, as they want everything up front. I’m at the end of my rope here. I really don’t know what to do. My dad is encouraging me to lie on the FAFSA so I’ll get more money, but that’s a federal offense, and I would rather not do that. I want to better myself and my mom’s situation, but is it possible??? Should I just set down my dream for now and find a better job that pays the highest for someone without a college education?

[TheDudeWithTheBigDog, ADN, RN]

Why would you need a cosigner? Federal student loans are typically pretty much guaranteed. Or is your school just too expensive for loans to cover?

[guest1068029]

Many places require cosigners now, whether it be a friend or family. Wow, reading this I can tell that the situation seems tough. Is there a way to have more hours at your work or maybe find another job? Maybe become a tutor in your school, so you can study and make money at the same time?

[PeekaPooh]

Perhaps, explain to FAFSA your condition via written letter and show them proof that most of your money goes to your mother's medical bills. Maybe, some receipts, and doctor's written medical diagnosis, and personal bills? I mean it's a lot of private information that you may not want to tell them, but it's worth a shot? And see what they will say?

You could also ask your dad to be a co-signer, or a trusted friend? OR you could borrow your dad's or trusted friend some money, this way you don't have to pay interest :), or maybe a discounted interest ? These are just some of the things I would try if I were to be in your shoes.

[Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP]

If your mom/dad is still claiming you on her taxes, that is probably why you're not getting all the financial aid you can. Probably too late to do anything about this for the upcoming year, but you might want to ask her to not claim you on her 2019 taxes, so you can be a financially independent student. If you're not making a lot of money, then financial aid options will probably open up a bit more for you in the future if your mom or dad doesn't claim you.