Financial Aid-Says I made too much and I don't have a job

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I went down a week of depression about financial aid telling me I made too much. I couldn't believe it. I know my last job paid pretty well. I wasn't thinking of going to school at that point. What can I say, was still a little immature wondering if this is what I was sure I was going to do.

Now that I made that decision I am taking every step with the attitude-can't nothing stop me. Until Financial Aid said NO.

I guess they don't understand a well paying job doesn't mean you still have it. I don't know what to do. I plan on just working my behind off and with little sleep go to school. I just have to hustle. I was wondering if anyone else went through this situation and what did you do?

Hi rlportee,

Sorry to hear about your situation.

Are they at least waiving your unit fees?

Go to FAFSA and amend/edit you estimated family contibution

Specializes in ICU.

It is a shame that they must base things off of last year's tax returns and what not. I wonder if they have some kind of appeals process you can go through since you no longer have that income?

If not, perhaps waiting to start next year would be in your best interest. I know it really stinks to have to wait a whole year to get started on something you want to do, but if your living/tuition expenses are so high that they require you to get a full time job (or two!) then you may do poorly in your classes and "wasted" the year anyways. Maybe working as a CNA for a year would be a good option. You will get valuable experience and I'm sure you will qualify for financial aid next year ;)

Also, have you considered only taking 1 or 2 classes a semester instead of full time? Tuition will be cheaper, and your school load will be lighter. You could still work, have enough time to do well in those classes and not have to over-exert yourself trying to do it all. The next year your income would (presumably) be lower and you should qualify for help then.

I've always had to pay for my own schooling. Take loans.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Yep. Lots of us out here who can't get loans due to being an average middle class American. We find a way and you will too. Good luck!

I was also denied financial aid because my "income" was too high, even though I was not working at the time. I took loans and got two jobs.

There is also the option of private loans. The interest is higher, but if this is something you really want and you can't wait another year, they might be your best bet. Just make sure you read all the fine print before signing anything. And do your research so you end up with the right loan for you. It takes a lot of work but there are options out there! Good luck!

Specializes in Junior Year of BSN.

Did you not apply for special circumstances? I was laid off and financial aid will allow you to apply for special circumstances, ask financial aid for the form. If you were laid off they'll ask for last pay stub, letter of lay off and unemployment compensation benefit amount. They allow special circumstances for divorce, lost of employment, medical reasons (medical bills that you have to pay), etc. Just call and ask to speak to the financial aid officer who is in charge or an assistant to that person. The forms are online on the schools website in the financial aid area. They then will reevaluate your situation and they'll redo your EFC (I would not attempt to redo that yourself they have their own calculator and will do this for you).

I have to do loans as well, my husband makes too much, even though we are in debt up to our ears from past medical bills and dont have much to show for it! I'm paying my interest while I'm in school to keep the final amount down as much as possible, that will knock a good amount off my loans than if I just let the interest accrue until graduation.

Specializes in Junior Year of BSN.
I have to do loans as well, my husband makes too much, even though we are in debt up to our ears from past medical bills and dont have much to show for it! I'm paying my interest while I'm in school to keep the final amount down as much as possible, that will knock a good amount off my loans than if I just let the interest accrue until graduation.

You can apply for special consideration because of your medical bills. Talk to your financial aid officer. For special circumstances they will look at what is made and what you and your spouse will make for 2009. Special circumstances does not really focus on last years wages like the FAFSA does, they reevaluate your just need copies of your medical bills, paystubs for this year, an list of all bills you may have like car note, rent, etc.

I didn't get Financial Aid too for the next year, but the lady in the office told me I can get Federal Stafford Loans. Ask them if you can get those loans. The interest is lower then the private loans so that is good. Also, I got the job ( full time ) to be able pay for my school and help my husband... He just works too much.

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