How can I acquire a student loan when my school does not offer any help or participation with them?

January 21, 2011 3:09 AM

Where can I find a loan with deferred payments?

I had to transfer from a state university due to medical problems and a ever declining GPA. I now am attending a local community technical college on a fast track for an associates of radiology technology. I am broke beyond belief and have no help from family.... I was able to get by before on student loans to cover my medical bills, tuition, and living expenses. I haven't accrued much debt in the year but I cannot find a job to work with my school schedule but I'm not giving up on one. The 2yr community college only offers financial assistants to cover tuition and nothing beyond not even for books. I've managed by doing odd jobs during fall term but this winter has been harsh. I am a third through the term and still have no books and bills are piling up. I have been searching everywhere for a student loan but cannot find one that doesn't go through the school for disbursement. The school will not help me and I'm running out of options. I have fair credit (due to a high revolving balance) and the only collateral is my truck. Is there any help out there because I'm drowning and the degree is in eyesight!

posted by isopropyl to education (3 answers total)

"The 2yr community college only offers financial assistants to cover tuition and nothing beyond not even for books. "

Have you filled out a FAFSA? If so, ignore me. I know my community college was different, they offered full aid as long as you needed it and got it with your FAFSA submission.

The other option is taking less classes and doing it more slowly, while working. It's not what you want, but it's viable and responsible. You're focusing on the degree getting closer, but you're also going to have to job-hunt once you've graduated, and that's an unknown length of time. One extra semester or summer isn't a huge deal.
posted by kpht at 5:36 AM on January 21, 2011

FAFSA done that's how the tuition was covered through a state scholarship. Next year will be easier since I'll be 24 and PELL grant will be an option... I guess the just is a urgent need for money so I don't fall behind. I have no books and can't find work.
posted by isopropyl at 5:46 AM on January 21, 2011

Talk to your student affairs office. And take a look at 211.org; there are resources in many communities to help with housing, food, etc.
posted by emkelley at 9:59 AM on January 21, 2011