Second Assc Degree?

Fun2, BSN, RN · Apr 13, 2006

Jaxia, I'm sure different financial aid packages have different criteria.

I've always heard problems from those with a bachelor's already, not an associates.

I'm sure it would be best to call the school's financial aid office to get the best & probably most correct answers.

Good luck!!

I'm working on my pre-reqs and hope to start a nursing program in the Spring. However, since I took the scenic route :uhoh21: , I only need to take 2 more classes to earn the general assc degree. I want to go ahead and get this basic degree, since it will help me if I move on for my BSN.
But, I've seen a lot of things that say stuff about "second degree" students that suggests they do not get priority. Do they mean bach degrees, or ANY degree? If getting my general assc is going to hurt me when it goes to acceptance into nursing or financial aid, I can just wait.
Thanks for any info!

pacmrc · Apr 13, 2006

my AAS in nursing will be my second AAS and it has not hurt me in terms of $$ aid or in getting a job, though the first is health related as well and they are both from the same school. good luck!

JaxiaKiley · Apr 14, 2006

Ah, that's good to hear. Of course I would try to aid office, but they can be good at giving people the run around, ya know? They haven't really helped me out any so far with all of my other questions. It's a good thing I know how to use Google and these forums :)

Fun2, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2006

Ah, that's good to hear. Of course I would try to aid office, but they can be good at giving people the run around, ya know? They haven't really helped me out any so far with all of my other questions. It's a good thing I know how to use Google and these forums :)

:chuckle I know what you mean.

Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP · Apr 16, 2006

Don't do it!!! I have an AA from previously going toward a teaching degree (decided to change majors a little late in the game.) Anyway, you cannot receive federal financial aid for another Associate's if you already have an Associate's. It doesn't matter if your first is an Assoc of Arts and your next one will be an Assoc of Applied Science. They consider it the same level of degree. That means no Pell grant, no FSEOG, no LEAP, no Stafford Loans, etc. No ifs ands or buts about it. It doesn't have any effect on regular scholarships, though, just federal monies. I am going through this crap right now. You can't use a general AA for anything, like getting a skilled job. But even so, the financial aid office will refuse to give any federal aid after you attain your first associate's. By the way, I didn't receive federal aid my first time through school; I got scholarships, and I wasn't quite poor enough to qualify for the Pell Grant. It wouldn't be right to allow people to just keep getting federal aid over and over for the same level of degree. Now however, I am eligible for Pell Grant, but I can't get it because of my previous degree. You can still receive aid for your 1st Bachelor's, though.

The only thing getting your AA is good for is if you plan on taking a break from school. The degree will lock in your classes. Many science classes only have a lifespan of five years, and then you'll have to retake them. But with them included in a degree, you won't have to take them over. I would consult my Financial Aid office first before making this decision to make sure. It could be different in your state. I didn't check, and now I can't get aid. Hope this helped.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2006

Helped me a bunch! Thanks for posting, Bumashes!

I'm not getting financial aid, but I thought about trying to see how close I was to a general associates.

JaxiaKiley · Apr 16, 2006

Bumashes - that is exactly what I was worried about! I hope to qualify for grants, and don't want to do anything that will keep that from happening.

Thanks so much for posting this!!

Doog · Apr 16, 2006

I am sorry your having these problems, but I am earning my second Associate degree right now in Nursing, from the same school. I am recieving both financial aid federally and from the state, and have stafford loans, so you may want to look into it a little futher.

Shawn

Don't do it!!! I have an AA from previously going toward a teaching degree (decided to change majors a little late in the game.) Anyway, you cannot receive federal financial aid for another Associate's if you already have an Associate's. It doesn't matter if your first is an Assoc of Arts and your next one will be an Assoc of Applied Science. They consider it the same level of degree. That means no Pell grant, no FSEOG, no LEAP, no Stafford Loans, etc. No ifs ands or buts about it. I am going through this crap right now. You can't use a general AA for anything, like getting a skilled job. Buteven so, the financial aid office will refuse to give any federal aid after you attain your first associate's. By the way, I didn't receive federal aid my first time through school; I got scholarships, and I wasn't quite poor enough to qualify for the Pell Grant. It wouldn't be right to allow people to just keep getting federal aid over and over for the same level of degree. Now however, I am eligible for Pell Grant, but I can't get it because of my previous degree. You can still receive aid for your 1st Bachelor's, though.
The only thing getting your AA is good for is if you plan on taking a break from school. The degree will lock in your classes. Many science classes only have a lifespan of five years, and then you'll have to retake them. But with them included in a degree, you won't have to take them over. I would consult my Financial Aid office first before making this decision to make sure. I didn't, and now I can't get aid. Hope this helped.

JaxiaKiley · Apr 17, 2006

LOL - sounds like it really varies and I need to do my research :)

Thanks for the information!

Fun2, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2006

LOL - sounds like it really varies and I need to do my research :)
Thanks for the information!

Very true. It may have to do with income, paying back previous student loans, availability of funds, etc.

Good luck.

Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP · Apr 19, 2006

I am sorry your having these problems, but I am earning my second Associate degree right now in Nursing, from the same school. I am recieving both financial aid federally and from the state, and have stafford loans, so you may want to look into it a little futher.
Shawn

That's super for you! I'm glad someone is getting aid. I have, unfortunately, been down every possible road. Believe me when I say I've tried hard; I'm in MS, and there is so much aid now for Katrina victims like me. However, I can't get any of it because it's federal aid, which requires that I not already have an AA. I could be getting my tuition paid + $2500 per semester if I could get that Katrina federal aid. So believe me, I have fought tooth and nail to get access to these funds. Barring the death of a close relative, loss of a limb, or a life threatening illness, the financial aid office replies with a resounding NO! to every appeal I make. It seems hopeless, but I'll keep trying. It could be that schools in your state have a different way of awarding/qualifying for federal student aid. Everyone should always contact their financial aid office first to ask about this kind of stuff; Don't just take my word for it. If anyone has any advice about my situation, though, then please Private Message me to let me know. Thanks.