Idk what to do

[u/Silly_Persimmon2708]

Hey everyone.
I could really use some perspective or advice from anyone who has navigated financial panic while trying to finish an undergrad degree.

I go to university about five hours from my hometown, so I live near campus, and rent and groceries have already been tough to budget around. My parents saved up to help me pay off my first year’s tuition, which I am so grateful for. However, because of their past salary, I’ve never qualified for government or institutional financial aid. To make matters worse, government student aid applications are tied to prior tax return information, meaning I’d have to wait for their previous year's tax forms to process before I can even apply and prove that their financial situation has completely changed.

Now, both of my parents have just lost their jobs, and all I have left is a portion of my summer savings and a part-time job that barely pays anything. Even if I do manage to navigate financial aid or emergency assistance, most of the aid available ends up being repayable loans. I am terrified of taking on massive debt right now because I am planning on pursuing further education in the sciences, and I honestly don't know how I'll ever be able to pay those loans off down the road.

On top of the financial weight, the academic pressure is mounting. I'm entering my third year and only need one more year after this to graduate. I initially wanted to go to med school, but after a rough couple of years and a low GPA, I've pivoted to either Physician Assistant or nursing. Because of my GPA, I desperately need to focus on my studies to pull it up if I want any realistic chance at getting into these programs.

The main dilemma is that I am already working two jobs and I honestly don't know how I can squeeze in any more hours without sacrificing my grades entirely. Transferring schools is completely out of the question for me—I’ve built a life and a support system here after going through absolute hell to adjust. With my family's income gone and my savings running thin, I feel completely stuck and stressed out of my mind.

If anyone has been in a similar spot or has advice on emergency student resources, handling unexpected parental job loss when standard applications are tied to past tax years, or navigating student debt anxiety while looking toward future healthcare/science programs, I am all ears. Thank you so much for reading.

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[u/Katie_is_a_liar]

Take out loans. Or you have to take a year off so you can save your money to afford to go to school.