I’m a college student from a low-income background with disability accommodations and FAFSA student loans. I’m worried about how it could impact me if the DOE gets shut down. I’m close to getting my bachelor’s degree. What can I do if it does shut down? Does anyone know what might happen to students like me?
Student loans are a huge business, worth billions every year. They’re not going anywhere. The whole US higher education system depends on them. The oversight might change, and maybe the names and acronyms too, but the lending and borrowing will continue.
@Mark
I really hope they change the rules for student loans. Right now, it’s like, sure, borrow a huge amount like $98,765.43 for a poetry degree. As if you’re going to earn enough to pay that back. I’m just making up the amount, but not all degrees are worth 100k.
@vinincent
I think we’re finally moving away from the outdated idea that a degree guarantees a good job. There’s hope.
From, a nurse with an unused Master of Music
Charlotte1 said:
@vinincent
I think we’re finally moving away from the outdated idea that a degree guarantees a good job. There’s hope.
From, a nurse with an unused Master of Music
Why aren’t you using your master’s degree? My daughter is thinking about nursing. I want to help her avoid getting a degree that won’t help her career.
I’ve told her I’ll pay for her education if she chooses a school and program I approve of. She needs to make minimum payments, and I’ll cover the principal.
@vinincent
I got burned out early but kept going due to family pressure. I racked up a lot of debt which, thankfully, I can now manage. There’s no such thing as a useless degree, but you need a plan. Many of my peers have succeeded in music. However, I love nursing and should’ve pursued it sooner. It’s a rewarding field with a lot of flexibility and excellent pay where I live. The worst part is dealing with difficult family members.
Advice for a young girl interested in nursing: start with volunteer work or even a caregiver role to build a solid foundation. High school science courses, especially AP ones, are beneficial. Some high schools even offer programs where you graduate with a CNA certification.
@Charlotte1
She’s not in high school yet but has shown a strong interest in nursing. She also knows a nurse practitioner, who she respects a lot. (It’s strange, though. The nurse isn’t really a mentor due to the age difference, and they don’t hang out like friends would.
Your loans will be transferred to the treasury department. These changes will take time to sort out, so try not to worry too much about it right now.
Don’t stress about it too much. You can’t do much about it right now. Despite all the threats and alarming statements, focus on what you can control: graduating and finding a job or joining the Peace Corps, which offers loan forbearance and great job opportunities after you complete your service.
@tony
Isn’t joining the Peace Corps quite costly? I heard from a friend that they had to pay for their own travel several times. If you rely on student loans, this might not be an affordable option. Americorps could be an alternative since it’s within the country.
@tony
Absolutely agree! The only things we can control are our actions and reactions. My advice is to save as much as you can, even on a tight budget. Make your own coffee, pack your lunches, and follow your budget strictly—it really does bring peace of mind.
If anything does happen, it’ll take time, and you will have graduated by then. So, don’t worry about it. Focus on the here and now, your studies and goal of earning your bachelor’s degree:
- Focus on your studies.
- Graduate with your bachelor’s soon, as planned.
Congratulations!
Most of the things the DOE does will have to be parceled out to other departments unless they pass legislation removing those things from the “todo list” in the first place.
Nothing will happen to you.
I would get the degree ASAP. Don’t blow off your classes. Get your nose in the books and get out with that diploma as soon as you can.
The govt is going to get their money from you if the DOE does go away.
I understand your concern. We have two kids in college and another to start soon, FAFSA is helpful and essential in affording their tuitions. One of my kids gets accommodations too.
It will take time for any changes. Nothing will happen this academic school year. Hopefully the universities still maintain availability of accommodations but it will probably be more strict and university specific with future accommodation. They will probably not be legally required to do as much.
Try not to worry. Advocate for yourself within your school disability resources and your academic advisor.
I, my team of 15, and about 24000 people are paid through DE title grants.
I’m scared too but can you imagine rich people letting those non-elected people trying to influence government spending take away the endless streams of DE money that is the backbone of their favorite colleges and universities and cause them to shut down?
The Title programs can’t be revoked by a president. And FAFSA’s existence can’t be canceled by a president.
So our state senators and reps need to be made very aware 1.9 billion in title funds will go bye bye for each of their states and districts alone - that doesn’t even cover FAFSA or Public Education subsidies for poor schools.
Please write them and remind them.
Non-elected, no US Gov employees, do NOT get to tear our country and higher/public Ed apart because they didn’t get access to those funds as vendors!
Remember, if they fire enough of us and shutter our schools, then what’s to stop you from acts of civil disobedience like protesting in DC or New York or Florida?
The incoming president is a blubbering moron. I wouldn’t waste a minute of my time worrying about his nonsense.