Fed Financial aid help

[ibmaryann]

I know this was discussed before but I didn't pay any attention to it because it didn't pertain to me at the time. I have been looking for my acceptance letter to nursing school. Today I got 2 letters from my school. One was from the president of the school congradulating me for making the Presidents list. (2nd semester in a row) and the other saying that I no longer qualify for ANY federal financial aid including student loans because I have axceeded the maximum number of attempted hours at my community college. It say I can have no more than 96 hours.

I just started to cry. There is no way I can afford to pay for nursing school. The only reason I got to start taking my Pre-req's is because I got a student loan.

I attended college 15 years ago right out of high school and didn't hardly try and have a very low overall GPA because of it. I looked up my school transcript on the school website and it says I only have 78 attempted hours. It is saturday so i couldnt call the school.

I have worked hard the last year to get the grades to make sure I got accepted to Nursing School and now it may all be blown away because of this.

I have searched the archives under financial aid to read the discussion that was on here before and cant find it.

Can anyone shed any light on this situation. I am so scared. How come nobody warned me about this. I cant find anything in the college handbook or website that says anything about it.

Please help!!!! I think I am going to be sick.

God Bless,

Mary Ann

[RNtugladimurnurse2b]

First of all, let me say that I'm sorry that this has happened to you. Just when you think you are getting somewhere the MAN tries to hold you back! During my last semester in college, I got a letter stating that I had exceeded the maximum attempted units amount and could not get anymore financial aid. I had 5 units left to complete my Bachelor's. I put in a petition with the Financial Aid office and they approved my last semester. Maybe that's an option for you. Another option is trying to take out a Nursing loan. I haven't really looked into them but I know they exist. I hope I have helped. Take care and good luck.

[Princess74]

Banks have student loans (as well as personal loans) you could try to go that route. Sorry that you are having trouble.

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

I would talk with your Financial Aid department and see what they can do. Community colleges may have limits based upon the number of credits you've completed, or may not let you borrow beyond the federal limits for 1st and 2nd year loans. The latter is what my community college does, but they are also very accomodating to student needs and are able to allow more $ depending on the circumstances.

I'd hope that they'd be willing to work something out with you, especially if classes you took 15 years ago are contributing to that 96 unit cap.

Also, there are other student loans that are based on your credit worthiness and/or require co-signers. Visit Google and search private student loans. Or check with your bank or credit union. If your school isn't able to offer further student loans, these may be options.

Follow your dream, Mary Ann! You'll find a way to make it happen.

[faith5099]

Have no fear!!! Recently I went to my local workforce commission to a seminar explaining the 2-year degrees they help people pay for and one was nursing . If you qualify, they pay for tuition, books, uniforms, your watch and even your shoes!! (they are very generous to students because they know it is temporary assistance) The only problem was I had not been accepted yet so they told me to come back when I get my letter! You should try to get in contact with any kind of workforce in your area.