I had to drop all my classes this semester because I was feeling really overwhelmed and depressed. I talked with my advisor, and she mentioned I might owe the school money. I thought it would be okay as long as I was feeling better. However, she didn’t explain that I couldn’t register for future classes if there was still a hold on my account.
I tried registering for classes last week and saw that I owe $3,158.99. I called the student accounts office, and they told me I could register once my balance is under $1,000. The problem is that I only make about $500 per paycheck, so I won’t be able to pay off the balance in time for registration. I’ve tried applying for loans with bigger companies, but I keep getting rejected. My credit score is 659, and I have one open loan with NetCredit. Does anyone know of any places where I might get approved for a loan?
This forum suggests some ways to get help in your situation:
Maverick Payment Plan – You might want to ask the student accounts office if there’s a payment plan where you can pay off your balance in smaller amounts over time. This could bring your balance down below $1,000, making you eligible to register.
Emergency Assistance Programs – Some schools offer emergency financial assistance. Since you’re dealing with health-related issues, this could be a resource you qualify for. You can ask the financial aid office if they have any emergency funds available.
Financial Aid Appeal – If your financial situation is tough because of mental health struggles, you might be able to appeal for extra financial aid or get help with your account balance. Some schools offer temporary relief for students going through hardships.
Counseling and Resilience Support – You can check if your school has counseling services that can connect you to resources like grants or other support programs.
Support from Student Affairs – Many schools have student affairs departments that can help with short-term financial assistance or direct you to local resources.
Start by reaching out to the financial aid office and student accounts, and they should help you find the best resources to move forward.
Here are some ideas that might help you get back into school:
School-Based Payment Plan: Many schools let you set up payment plans to spread out your bill over several months. Check with the student accounts office to see if they have a plan like this.
Financial Aid and Emergency Grants: Since you’re returning to school after a hard semester, you might qualify for emergency grants. It’s worth talking to the financial aid office about any special options for students in difficult situations.
Appeal for a Lower Balance: If health issues caused you to drop classes, you might be able to appeal to have your balance reduced. A letter from a counselor or doctor could support your case.
Local Credit Unions: Credit unions might be more flexible than big banks when it comes to loans. With your credit score, a local credit union may be willing to work with you, especially if you explain your situation.
Crowdfunding for School Expenses: Some students use platforms like GoFundMe to raise money for education costs. You could share your story with friends or family and see if they can help cover your balance.
NetCredit Repayment Options: If your loan with NetCredit is putting pressure on you, talk to them about adjusting your payment plan or deferring payments until you’re in a better place financially.
Nonprofit Help: Organizations like Edquity, United Way, or other local groups may offer assistance with education-related expenses. They sometimes help students facing hardships like yours.