Daughter Wants to Quit College

**sunflowers*8890** · 01-17-2012, 10:38 PM

Just talked to DD. She is a full-time student at the local community college. She is there on a full scholarship, but she may lose the scholarship next year, because of financial problems with the scholarship program our state has, they announced they will only be able to continue the highest GPA students, which she is not. Community college isn't expensive, so I told her we could look into a student loan or she may qualify for financial aid, since she doesn't live with us, she lives with her fiance.

She works part-time, but tonite she told me she is applying for full-time jobs. I know they are struggling financially. I make her car payment & insurance, but now I've lost my job, and I can't help any more.

It doesn't help that our local job market (like most) is flat and we know plenty of college grads who can't find jobs... one is working at a video game store

I'm just feeling distraught and needed to vent. I didn't tell dh yet, I'll wait till his work week is over (Thursday) before I dump this on him. He'll be angry, and I know she will be expected to take over her car payment if she quits school.

Even if she doesn't find a full-time job right away, the stark reality is that this is the beginning of the end... I saw it coming

I guess since she is losing the scholarship anyway, the next best thing will be to encourage her to stay in school part-time. Can she still get a student loan for part-time study? I just wish I could afford to help her out more.

**frugalwarrior2** · 01-17-2012, 10:50 PM

A community college education is as cheap as it gets. We pay about $2300. a year plus books. Thats only for 2 years. So her costs minus scholarship is less than $3500. who gives up an oppertunity like that? These kids make me. What else will she do w/o the education? they think so short term. And I mean mine too.
I mean you can take some courses online for a little cheaper. Half.com has books cheap. Chegg and a few others rent them. Some are even online. Good luck.

**oheoh's momma** · 01-17-2012, 11:22 PM

The state of the economy seem seems to be discouraging education..Try to talk her into part time....and don't worry if u can't help her she will understand.. Hugs momma

**Saule** · 01-17-2012, 11:25 PM

There are some employers who support education for employees. I work for an insurer, and several people I work with have finished college degrees while working for us, at least partially paid by us. My own sister finished her BSN at 55 yrs of age, after working as a nurse for 35 years. It is not fatal, but she needs to have a clear plan to finish college. The difference in earning potential is too great not to have this as a goal even if it's delayed.

Even if it takes longer than expected. she should try to take one class a semester. If she says, well I'll be 30 before I finish, ask her how old she will be in six years (or whatever it is) - it will still be 30, but you control on whether or not you achieve that degree.

Financial realities have put many folks in the same situation - but she need to have a goal in place to make sure she does not end up in a deadend job. Online courses are a great option - that's what my sister did to finish her BSN - but you have to have some discipline to get it done.

**Contrary Housewife** · 01-17-2012, 11:47 PM

Well, you don't know for certain that she will lose her scholarship. While it's good to be prepared to go back to work if it happens, you shouldn't give up on it just yet.

She may be able to get other scholarships or grants for part time classes, but I believe to get Federal financial aid she has to be full time.

**sunflowers*8890** · 01-18-2012, 06:20 AM

Thanks so much guys! These words of encouragement are so helpful.

I did end up telling dh this morning, he wasn't as aggravated with her as I expected him to be. He always had difficulty in school, and her "learning style" has always been just like his, it just doesn't come too easy for her.

Another thing.... I did the same exact thing (same exact college, even the same exact technology! Ugh.

) I've told her how I wish I had finished, but that doesn't seem to help either. Just like frugalwarrior said, these kids don't think for the long term.

**Lora88** · 01-18-2012, 07:26 AM

You can get financial aid for part time college I know many kids who have If she works during the day she can go to school at night alot of people including my kids have done that Tell her dont give up keep at it she wont regret doing so

**Momto5RN** · 01-18-2012, 08:44 AM

how old is she with Fasfa regulations unless she is 23 or older married or has a child she is stilll considered a dependent which means your and your dh income will come into play .

my 20 yo moved out and was not happy to discover she wasnt going to get all this gvt help because she was under 23. she had friends getting financial aide because they were over 23 or had children . to this day she thinks i did something on my taxes or fafsa that prevented her from getting $$ so be glad your child is taking responsibility for herself. we let her claim herself on her taxes which = we owed even though she lived with us that year we pay her health insurance her car insurance etc .

i would try to get her to continue in school under the scholarship as long as its available. every free course is a course closer to what she needs that she may have to pay for later .

people do to go school FT and work FT and some raise families too at the same time so it has been done.

when is she planning to get married ?

and there are alot of scholarships out there especially if one likes to write essays regardless of income levels

**Pianolady** · 01-18-2012, 09:17 AM

I'd be sure to apply and get the fafsa done & see what happens. Sometimes things aren't what they seem. Don't just not do it assuming the scholarship won't happen. Sometimes schools make up for lost funding with another source. I've had this happen with both our kids. They want you in school. I'd take a wait and see approach on this before making any decision.

**frugalfranny** · 01-18-2012, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by sunflowers*8890

Can she still get a student loan for part-time study? I just wish I could afford to help her out more.

If she is at least HALF TIME in the part time study.........

FAQs: Ask an Expert about Financial Aid

You can only talk to her............then let her make her own choices and find out the results from those choices.

My dd didn't go right off to college...........she had to work for a couple years, only making minimum wage, before she FINALLY decided it might be a good idea. Then she dove right in and now has a masters..............so it will work out.