What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? GA
I (actually posting for someone in the neighborhood) signed up for an undergraduate program at an online university in Jan 2008. They applied for a Pell grant for me, which apparently did not go through because the combined income of my parents apparently exceeded the eligibility limits. However, they failed to inform me of this and I do not have access to this information online students at most other real universities do. In the meantime, I continued to take courses even though I wasn't passing all of them.
In October I decided that the business program was not for me and decided to switch to medical billing, which I was told I could complete in a year and which would be a better career option for me. In December 2008, I received a financial statement from the university which showed that I had not received the Pell grant for the first year and therefore, I owed Sallie Mae nearly $10,000. For the second year, I did receive a Pell grant for approximately $2100, which probably is barely 20% of the tuition for the year, if that. I realize that at this rate (given that I am unable to even pass my courses), I will probably run up loans to the tune of $20-30,000 by the time I finish this 24 credit hour program. So I am considering dropping out of the program. However, as per the contract, I will become liable for the entire amount immediately if I do so.
I have emailed the financial aid office asking them to give me details of how they arrived at the amount I owed them and what would be my liability if I were to drop out at this time. They have not responded to my email and the drop date without penalty is Monday (Jan 19th). Is there any recourse for me?
Thanks.
ASm.
I (actually posting for someone in the neighborhood) signed up for an undergraduate program at an online university in Jan 2008. They applied for a Pell grant for me, which apparently did not go through because the combined income of my parents apparently exceeded the eligibility limits. However, they failed to inform me of this and I do not have access to this information online students at most other real universities do. In the meantime, I continued to take courses even though I wasn't passing all of them.
In October I decided that the business program was not for me and decided to switch to medical billing, which I was told I could complete in a year and which would be a better career option for me. In December 2008, I received a financial statement from the university which showed that I had not received the Pell grant for the first year and therefore, I owed Sallie Mae nearly $10,000. For the second year, I did receive a Pell grant for approximately $2100, which probably is barely 20% of the tuition for the year, if that. I realize that at this rate (given that I am unable to even pass my courses), I will probably run up loans to the tune of $20-30,000 by the time I finish this 24 credit hour program. So I am considering dropping out of the program. However, as per the contract, I will become liable for the entire amount immediately if I do so.
I have emailed the financial aid office asking them to give me details of how they arrived at the amount I owed them and what would be my liability if I were to drop out at this time. They have not responded to my email and the drop date without penalty is Monday (Jan 19th). Is there any recourse for me?
Thanks.
ASm.
