Desperately seeking financial assistance

Paying for College
1

<p>My son had a decent GPA (3.4) when he graduated high school in 2012 and scored a 28 on the ACT with a perfect score on the science portion. He also took some AP classes. While I know that's not the greatest, I think it's amazing considering that within the last three years my son had been diagnosed with Cancer, Epilepsy and clinical depression </p>

<p>He tried to attend community college last year as a full time student but unfortunately he was hospitalized on two occasions and was sick for large chunks of time. He had to drop two of his classes after the drop date and we weren't able to get a refund. </p>

<p>Thankfully my son's cancer is now in remission and we believe the epilepsy and depression are being controlled with medication (yay!) He has decided to take only one course this semester because he wants to see how things go and we also don't want to lose the money again if he can't complete the class. With all the medical bills and my husband losing his job, we had to deplete his college fund and we really can't afford to pay for his education. My son can't pay as he is currently unable to work due to his health issues. </p>

<p>I would appreciate any ideas on how we might be able to get my son some assistance in financing his education.</p>

2

<p>I am happy to hear that your son is doing better. I have a few questions for you:</p>

<p>Will your son continue at community college or go to a 4 year school? I am assuming he will be commuting. </p>

<p>Do you qualify for any pell grants or state aid? </p>

<p>Will he continue part time or go full time?</p>

3

<p>Currently, with just one class, he probably won’t qualify for much in FA. Usually, it’s more than 9 units.
You may be able to get a loan.</p>

4

<p>Hi Toby,</p>

<p>Welcome to CC. Good to hear that your son is doing better. If you have not done so, you need to file the FAFSA (Fafsa.gov) and include your son’s school. Use the IRS data retrieval took so that they can pull your financial information from the IRS. This way if your son takes at least 6 credits (part time) he will be eligible for student loans if you are not eligible for any other aid. </p>

<p>Next you and your son should contact the school’s financial aid office to ask about professional judgement. Take your unreimbursed medical bills proof of your husband’s unemployment. </p>

<p>Also check on FAFSA about dislocated workers to see if your husband meets the requirement ( this may net you a 0 EFC when combined with other tongs)</p>