Max credits for student loans

I am a second degree student and was wondering if you can max out on number of credits you attempt for undergraduate studies before they cut you off from financial aid. I have not taken any financial aid for my studies but will need to for the BSN. The schools talk about satisfactory progress toward a degree and say if you go over 150% of credits needed for your degree you will be cut off. Do you get cut off even if you have not taken any loans out?

I am going to call the fin aid office Tuesday but was wondering if anyone else out there has had this happen to them?

[JenNJFLCA]

I have a BS already and all they told me was that I can't take out more than $45,000. Since I already had $30,000, this sucks. I am now paying tons of money out of pocket, so I have to work full time. No one has said anything to me about credit limits...I think I have about 160 by this point! :) I have the William D Ford Federal Direct Loans. Hope this helps!

[TLC RN]

Thanks for the info :)

To finish my degree it will take another 62 credits. I am sure with 1 undergrad degree and a bunch of credits (30+) for prereqs for nursing school, I will hit the max amount of credits quick. I will call the school to find out for sure because I don't want them to tell me I am cut off and not be prepared to pay for it if that is the case.

[DenaInWyo]

Peeking in from lurkdom:

I got very close to a degree in computer science before realizing that I was making a huge mistake, and that I would rather continue waitressing for the rest of my life rather than program computers. I decided to return to my original dream of nursing, and immediately knew I was doing the right thing..it was like a huge burden being lifted off my shoulders.

Unfortunately, I also had accumulated a BUNCH of credits. My CC had me write a request letter stating why I needed an extension of allowable credits, and they approved it. SO..moral of this long story is..if you get to that point, don't immediately take no for an answer. Go talk to financial aid and see if something can be done to make an exception. I think they are even more willing to work with you if you're in a "program" like nursing.

Deana

[TLC RN]

Thanks Dena :) I feel a lot better after reading your post. If it comes up, I will not take no for an answer. Have a great holiday!

[DenaInWyo]

Thanks Dena :) I feel a lot better after reading your post. If it comes up, I will not take no for an answer. Have a great holiday!

Happy to help :) Hope you have a great holiday too, although if you're like me and probably all the other nursing students around here, there's probably studying involved!

Deana

[HisHands, ASN, RN]

I don't think they can count those credits against you if you didn't take out financial aid to get them. But, that's probably something that differs by university. Even so, for a Bachelors program (which is generally 130 credits) that means you wouldn't be maxed out until you hit 195 credits. I think that doing the Second Degree BSN course, you probably be really close to the limit, in which case the Financial Aid office tends to be pretty leniant. (Now, if you still had like 4 semesters to go, it seems they are a bit less compliant). Hope this helps

Crystal

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

Oh yes they can cut you off, they did me... I have over 100 attempted hours, mind you 30 of those hours are remedial from 10 years ago and dont even count toward a degree.They even count withdraws and drops. At 99 hours they cut you off (for a Associates ) from financial aid. I have paid for right around 75% of thoses hours as well. I spoke to the FA people they told me it does not matter if you walk in here with 98 hours you paid for yourself ,FA will only pay for one hour. Now I wll have right around 130 hours attempted when I transfer to a major university and may or may not get FA. I was also told and verified with a major university that I plan to attend, that when you go over 150% of hours needed for your degree you get charged out of state tuition... You would think as much as education is pushed here in the US and as much as RN's are needed this hogwash wouldnt be allowed. Im using my income tax to go to nursing school....Im not even sure I can get scholarships because it is considered FA............................:angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire

I don't think they can count those credits against you if you didn't take out financial aid to get them. But, that's probably something that differs by university. Even so, for a Bachelors program (which is generally 130 credits) that means you wouldn't be maxed out until you hit 195 credits. I think that doing the Second Degree BSN course, you probably be really close to the limit, in which case the Financial Aid office tends to be pretty leniant. (Now, if you still had like 4 semesters to go, it seems they are a bit less compliant). Hope this helps

Crystal