topic No clue what I'm doing!! in Student Loans

No clue what I'm doing!!

jcstarkey8826 — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 20:20:01 GMT

So I've recently been opened up to many opportunities at my current job. These opportunities have much better pay with a degree than without and I will be moving to Pittsburgh, PA. I will have these opportunities until I decide to move as it is with a large company with positions coming open all over.

Ive decided to go back to school, this way when I move to take this job, I will have a much higher starting salary and pay grade, as well as many more areas to pursue. I havent been to school since 2007. I did not flunk out, but I did drop out due to taking less than required credit hours for the semester (11) and losing my scholarship and financial aid, making it impossible for me to continue.

After I left school I couldnt afford a PRIVATE student loan I had taken out, and it defaulted. I had 3 federal loans which were all paid and no missed payments, but the private loan did charge off.

Can I still get a federal student loan to go back to school? Anyone with experience in this, Im so confused and lost. A lot has changed in 5 years.

Re: No clue what I'm doing!!

beb86 — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 05:45:26 GMT

Does this company have a tuition reimbursement program?

Re: No clue what I'm doing!!

jcstarkey8826 — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:35:18 GMT

Yes, my company will pay 4k per semester as long as my degree focus is finance. (which it is) and I have to have a C grade or better.

Re: No clue what I'm doing!!

InvincibleSummer2 — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:51:26 GMT

If I were in your shoes, I would still fill out a FAFSA, and then chat with the Financial Aid office at the school you'll be attending. I'm thinking you should still be able to get a Federal Loan, but like you said - a lot's changed in 5 years, and I would err on the side of caution at this point.

The earlier in 2013 you fill out that FAFSA, though, the better. If you are eligible you'll be in a better position, and if you aren't eligible the worst they can do is tell you no. It would be better to have it and not need it than vice versa.

Re: No clue what I'm doing!!

jcstarkey8826 — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:55:41 GMT

I went ahead and filled out the FAFSA, and just to share this with anyone reading... YOU CAN get a federal student loan, as long as you arent in default currently on any FEDERAL SLs. I had 4 federal student loans, all paid, two still paying on, but never a missed payment. I have defaulted (by accident) on a private student loan, but didnt know if that would keep me from getting federal loans. I filled out the FAFSA and was informed I was eligible. :) very excited!

Re: No clue what I'm doing!!

InvincibleSummer2 — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:43:36 GMT

Yay! That is great news. When I worked in higher ed, the rule of thumb was always "Even in doubt - fill it out" because the earlier the better. So excited for you, that is awesome news. Have a great time at school :)

Re: No clue what I'm doing!!

jcstarkey8826 — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:49:16 GMT

InvincibleSummer2 wrote:
Yay! That is great news. When I worked in higher ed, the rule of thumb was always "Even in doubt - fill it out" because the earlier the better. So excited for you, that is awesome news. Have a great time at school :)

Thank You! I plan on making the most of it. Its been 5 years since I was enrolled, I forgot how anything works! haha