How can someone return to college after dropping out for mental health reasons?
My friend had to leave college due to mental health struggles, which were exacerbated by inadequate treatment at her clinic (the clinic has since shut down). Now, she has outstanding tuition fees to the school and cannot re-enroll until she clears that debt. What steps can she take to get back into school? Would taking out a loan to pay off the balance be a viable option, allowing her to return while managing the loan payments? What other options does she have? Is transferring to another institution a possibility, or could she qualify for student loan forgiveness?
Your friend’s situation can indeed be challenging, but there are several options she can explore to get back into college:
Contact the School: She should reach out to the school’s financial aid office to discuss her situation. They may have specific policies in place for students who had to leave due to mental health issues and can provide guidance on navigating her account balance and any potential for reinstatement.
Financial Aid Options: Depending on her financial situation, she may be eligible for need-based financial aid or scholarships. There might be opportunities for grants that do not need to be repaid. She should fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see what financial assistance is available.
Payment Plans: Some schools offer payment plans to manage outstanding balances. She can inquire whether she can set up a repayment plan rather than paying the entire amount upfront.
Transfer to Another School: If she considers transferring to another institution, she should research their policies regarding accepting transfer students. Some colleges may also offer financial assistance or have more flexible admission policies that can cater to her circumstances.
Student Loan Forgiveness: While typically specific to federal student loans, she can research various forgiveness programs that might apply to her situation. For example, if she worked in a public service position, she might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. However, this would generally relate to loans in her name, not charges owed to a college.
Seek Counseling Services: Encourage her to continue her mental health journey and explore counseling services, either at her previous institution (if available) or in the community. Many schools also offer mental health support for students, which can be helpful for her transition back.
Reassess Her Readiness: Before jumping back in, it’s essential for her to assess her mental health and ensure she feels prepared to handle the academic pressures. She might want to start part-time or take a lighter course load to ease back into the routine.
Support Networks: Finally, she should lean on support networks, whether it’s friends, family, or counselors, to help navigate this transition.
Taking these steps can help her find a pathway back to education that considers both her academic and mental health needs.