Financial Aid Appeal?

futureexpectations · May 8, 2013

I just about ran into the same problem. I have a previous bachelors and applied to a BSN and ADN program; luckily I got into the BSN program so it was not an issue. I didn't even realize it would be an issue with the ADN program until I received an email stating that due to me having a bachelor's they would have to have more information to see if I qualified. I would suggest taking out the private loans only if you have to, but make sure to only take out the minimum you need. This way you are covered if you cannot find a job immediately to help out. Good luck on whatever decision you make.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 8, 2013

It's a matter of equity. There are limited funds available for people who are pursuing their Associate degrees via CC. If you already have obtained an Assoc degree using these funds, you have had your fair share. Same with Bach degree funding.

Federal funding is getting tighter - max hours are decreasing. This is a factor that a lot of folks fail to consider when they can't get into nursing school right away and opt for another degree instead... then go for nursing as a second degree. The funding will not be there. The only recourse will be self-financing via pay-as-you-go or loans. Many commercial schools are not eligible to participate in Federal loan programs, which leaves only private loans to cover their very high tuition. If you don't qualify for private loans, you are completely out of luck.

Stephalump · May 8, 2013

I had a similar problem. I'm complexity ineligible for any financial aid at a community college, and that includes federal loans. Fortunately CCs are fairly cheap, and it made more financial sense for me to pay for my education there than use loans for 5xs the tuition at a 4 year college.

I actually ended up having my entire education and expenses paid by a workforce grant. I recommend looking into something like that in your state!

RLtinker, LPN · May 8, 2013

Maximum Time Frame? It is triggered by having 150% more credits then is needed for your degree. As I understand it it keeps people from abusing the system and being life long professional students. Unfortunately, it is easy to go over this amount when going to a community college. I ran into this when I transferred my credits from a traditional college to a community college. I was originally a psych major my first time around. Just go though the appeal process, writing a letter why you are appealing and why you need the financial aid with the required paper work is usually all that is needed.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · May 8, 2013

A lot of schools (NOT ALL OF THEM THOUGH! Take these words with a grain of salt...) want you to attend but are obligated to make you appeal because you don't meet the requirements for federal student aid. They need you to appeal in case of an audit, but they will approve almost any appeal that has any semi-good reason on it. They want the money, whether it comes from you or the federal government.

But like I said, not all schools are that lenient about appeals.

RN9742 · May 8, 2013

My road to my associates has been a long one, and I have this problem as well. Each semester I have to appeal, and a large majority of my credits are from years ago and do not apply towards my current degree. It has been communicated to me by powers that be, that as long as I stay in good standing within my nursing program, my appeals will more than likely be approved until I graduate.

evmarie · May 8, 2013

It is good to know I am not the only one having to go through this process. I am going to talk to the financial aid people tomorrow and see what I can do and submit my appeal! I will do whatever I have to in order to get through school even if I have to take out private loans at least I will be able to find a job to pay for them (hopefully)!