Question about loans and financial aid

Published

Hi, I just finished my Associates Degree in general studies this past June, (I started it 12 years ago and finally decided to finish it) and I then decided when I was done to pursue nursing at the same community college. I just got a notice stating that since I already have an associates that I cannot get financial aid to pursue another one. They said I may be able to get loans but have to go through an appeal process. Has anyone had this experience?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Private Practice- wellness center.

Typically you cannot get loans for another type of the same degree. That is the reason I stopped working on my Bachelor's in another field until I knew whether or not I could get into the nursing program. (My bet paid off..WHEW!)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I got loans for my second bachelor's... but I don't know if that is true for getting two associates. I know lots of people that are going back for a second bachelors and are getting financial aide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in maybe L&D or NICU.

Judging by your name are you from Oregon? I just graduated from Chemeketa in June with my AAOT and am attending the nursing program this Fall. I am unsure how other schools work, but I had to change my major, and fill out a Max Credit Appeal in order to qualify for Financial Aid. This year my aid is mostly loans, but I did get one grant. I think it had more to do with the fact that they messed up my application so it went in way late, not that I was getting another Associates. Is there someone higher up in Financial Aid that you can talk to? I have noticed at my school I get a lot more help from them then the people that answer the phone or work the window. Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical Surgical/Addiction/Mental Health.

If you don’t mind, I would like to respond if bullet points as it will make it easier to understand.

- Once you receive your Bachelor’s degree, federal aid and most state aid is no longer available.

- In order to receive aid, you must not have exceeded the total number of attempted credit hours. I am not sure of the percentage. You need to contact your school. Take this example with a grain of salt because again, I am not sure of the percentages. Let’s say to earn your degree, you need to earn 60 credit hours. The government dictates to the school the total percentage of attempted credits. If student exceeds the percentage, they are not entitled to continue receiving financial aid. Let’s say the government allows students to attempt up to 150% of the required credits for a total of 90 credit hours. If you go over the 90 attempted hours, you will no longer receive aid. If you received any grade or “W”, it is counted as an attempt.

- There is also a time limit in order to receive your degree if receiving aid. I am not sure of the amount of time given. Again, you should contact your financial aid office.

There are several other rules, but after reading your post, I think these three more closely aligns with why your financial aid office is telling you that you’re not eligible for aid.

However, there is a loop hole: If you return for a second associate’s degree, you start over with the exception of the credits that will transfer towards your new degree. After declaring a new major, your financial aid office has to “recalculate” the maximum number of attempted hours and give you that information. Thus, you will be eligible for aid.

Rather than calling, go in person to your financial aid office. Speak with a counselor. It has been my experience that those working in the front typically know the basics, but are not able to give the correct information for special situations. Print this off and ask the questions in reference to what I have stated. Make certain the person you are speaking to understands that you are returning for a second degree and that you intend on using financial aid to include all federal and state funding. This information should prepare you to get everything in alignment for when you start your second degree.

Good luck in your new endeavors!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for all of your help. I am heading down to the financial aid office tomorrow to see what I can get done.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I am getting both grants and loans for my ADN and already have another associate's degree. I just have had to appeal the "lack of academic progress" note that comes up on my file for having so many credit hours. It was actually really easy and not an issue at all. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have an associate degree in medical assistance....and i want a associate degree in nursing can it be possible and would i get financial aid. ...eventhought is another associate degree

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am getting both grants and loans for my ADN and already have another associate's degree. I just have had to appeal the "lack of academic progress" note that comes up on my file for having so many credit hours. It was actually really easy and not an issue at all. Good luck!

What did you write in your appeal letter?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion