FSCJ'S new bachelor's program came with unexpected cost for some students

[thelakelander]

Florida State College at Jacksonville recently launched three new bachelor's degree programs — Logistics, Financial Services and Human Services — that attracted dozens of new students.
The programs have been approved by state and national accrediting agencies.

But they're still not approved by the federal government for its financial aid system. That means, nine weeks into the first semester, some students taking the courses don't know if the federal government is going to help them pay for tuition, books or other expenses.

Derrick Schwab, a student and part-time cook, borrowed $3,000 from his credit union for tuition and books this semester, adding to the $8,000 he already owes in school loans.

"To know I'm eligible for financial aid and still having to pay out of pocket, that's the worst part," he said. "This money shouldn't have to come out of my money ... I should be getting another answer other than, 'We're waiting on the government.'"

The delay surprised FSCJ officials, who said last week they are working to help the few students who can't afford the first semester's tuition and books by directing them toward scholarships. Most students in the program, they said, are unaffected because they or their employers pay for the classes.

Full article: http://members.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2014-11-03/story/fscjs-new-bachelors-program-came-unexpected-cost-some-students