2nd bachelors Degree Question (after a SAP appeal)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the eligibility for federal student loans when pursuing a second bachelor's degree after exceeding the 150% limit of credit hours. The participant, who holds a BS in Physics, inquired about accessing unused federal funds for a second degree in industrial engineering. It was confirmed that students can utilize up to 45 additional credit hours for a second bachelor's degree, provided they have not exceeded the $57,000 federal loan limit. Furthermore, if the first degree is incomplete, remaining semesters must be financed through non-federal means.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of FAFSA regulations and limits
  • Knowledge of federal student loan limits and eligibility
  • Familiarity with credit hour requirements for undergraduate degrees
  • Experience with financial aid advising processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the official FAFSA guidelines regarding second bachelor's degrees
  • Consult with a financial aid adviser at your prospective university
  • Investigate private loan options for financing remaining semesters
  • Learn about the implications of exceeding credit hour limits on federal aid
USEFUL FOR

Students considering a second bachelor's degree, financial aid officers, and anyone navigating federal student loan regulations.

VoloD
Messages
96
Reaction score
16
My BS is in Physics and I had considered getting another BS in industrial engineering. However I have question that I can not find any direct answer on FAFSA website

I have accumulated more than 180 hours in my Bachelors Degree, going over the 150% limit for an undergraduate major. My appeal for more aid failed at my university, and I had to pay for my last semester by private funds. However, I even though I went over the180 hour limit, I did not exceed the $57000 limit for federal funds. I only have a total debt of $19000 in federal student loans.

I have read before that a student can be granted an additional 45 hours with federal loans for a 2nd degree provided the university accepts them with their credentials. But I can not find the official source for this.

I am currently considering going to another university for a 2nd bachelors degree. Is it possible that I can access the federal student money that I did not utilize for the 1st bachelors degree.

If there is a legitimate FAFSA or other link that would answer this question, may you please provide it.
 
Your best bet is to make an appointment with a financial aid adviser at your prospective school. Don't just talk to a person at the counter, they usually just field quick questions. Take all the info you have on your existing consumption of financial aid and take it with you to the appointment.

I did this when I went back to school for engineering after physics and I was able to get more loans. So it is possible.
 
Sorry for the wait, I found out the answer though. The truth is that even if you go beyond the 150% limit of classes attempted, you can still utilize the money that you did not spend of the $57000 limit for a 2nd Bachelors Degree. However, if you have not completed your 1st degree, You will have to pay the remaining semesters with non-federal expenses (ie private loans, etc.)

It should be noted that only up to 45 credit hours towards a 2nd degree will covered with federal loans after you get your 1st degree.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K