Financial Aid Question

[WorkingTowards2011]

Okay, here's the deal. I go to a community college in Alabama. I have received a Pell Grant, and a full scholarship from a local hospital that pays all my tuition, fees, and books. The Pell Grant gives me $1500 per semester Since my scholarship pays for my schooling needs, the grant money has helped me pay for daycare and other living expenses, since I cannot really work with going to nursing school and having a family. (I know that it is POSSIBLE to work, but I am trying to avoid it at all costs. I don't get to see my kids enough as it is.) So, here comes the summer semester, and since I received my grant money for the fall and spring, I'm not going to receive any this summer. I am really stressed because we can't make ends meet without that money.

A friend of mine suggested student loans, which I have been trying to avoid at all costs, but would be open to for my summer semesters. My credit isn't good enough for a "private" loan, so I was going to go talk to financial aid and ask about a federal loan. However, I have two issues with a federal loan. #1- Since federal loans are paid to the school, and my scholarship already pays for all my schooling needs, will the school cut me a check like they do with the Pell grant? #2- On the school website, under the financial aid heading, it says "We do not participate in any federal or private student loan program." Does this mean iIcan't even get a federal loan because of the school that I go to?????

I am super stressed about this, because we will not make it. I have no family members that are "well off" enough for me to borrow from. Even if I wanted to get a job, the well is bone dry around here.

Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas for me? Maybe someone has been in this boat before?

[UVA Grad Nursing]

I would encourage you to make an appointment and talk with one of the Financial Aid counselors at your school. It sounds like you have lot going on, and I would trust the advice and counsel of the Fin Aid professionals at your school.