Third year but attending a community college.. Stafford question

Paying for College
1

<p>I'm confused and my school is AWFUL about answering the phone so I thought I'd try here.</p>

<p>I am currently attending a community college where the highest classification is Sophomore. I have enough hours to be considered a Junior, were I attending a 4 year school. </p>

<p>I have read online that the loan limits for a 3rd year student jump by about 2 grand per year. So, with regard to the "third year" Stafford loan borrowing limits, will I be able to borrow that amount, since this is technically my 3rd year, or will I be limited to the second year loan limits because my school doesn't technically have "Junior" status? Will I not be eligible for that larger amount until I transfer to a 4 year University? </p>

<p>I am kind of "stuck" right now at the CC due to some remedial and basic classes I foolishly ignored at the beginning of my educational journey and now I have no choice but to spend another 2 semesters working on catching up. Spent too much time in the beginning taking classes I didn't really need because I hadn't figured out my major. Plus I don't want to transfer before I "have" to, because the cost for some classes I need is SO much less, compared to the University I plan to transfer to. </p>

<p>I hope this makes sense. If not, please feel free to ask me to clarify!</p>

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<p>You have to be considered a junior by your school to borrow at the level for juniors. If the school does not have a “junior” level, then you will not be able to borrow at the junior level.</p>

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<p>Stafford loan limits for juniors are only $1K higher than for sophomores. If you’ve already taken higher level courses in those subjects, can’t you petition to have the remedial courses waived? You might also see if they offer CLEP (credit by examination) for some of those classes.</p>