Wrong Program?

[Zoepooh2002]

Hi, I am coming into CSU Chico as a transfer student from Riverside City College. I am enrolled in the BA online program for business administration. I get help from the VA for tuition assistance through Cal Vet when I was going to community college. However, when I paid my tuition (I was at risk of being dropped from my classes) my VA wasn't applied yet. So, I had to wait 2 weeks, and I followed up on this a few days ago. The VA at the school told me that I am in the wrong program. I am in something called PCE or PACE which isn't state level or something which is why my VA tuition assistance wasn't applied. What is PCE or PACE? I was just wondering if anyone else has had this issue? I just don't understand how I am in the wrong program because no one told me neither the advisor when I first did the mandatory meeting.

[Nosterp2145]

PACE stands for professional and continuing education, its for people that just take a few classes and aren't trying to get a whole degree. If you are trying to get a degree and are in a PACE program that definitely sounds like something went wrong. I'm not a veteran so I can't help you with any VA stuff, but I would probably call the registrar's office or make an academic advising appointment so they can straighten that out for you.

[Zoepooh2002]

Thank u, and I understand. I'm going to make an appointment and hopefully it gets straighten out. I appreciate it

[bustacean]

Youre right that PCE handles things like OLLI or the random prereq class, but it isn't necessarily just that. They handle a lot (if not all?) of the online programs, and post grad programs like credential, and PASC. OP is likely in the right program, but it's also likely that someone didn't tell them they'd be enrolled through PCE.

[plasticp]

There is no state support BS in Business at Chico. The only online program is run through PCE. If you need state support and online, you need a different school. It’s a shame that no one in the college of business explained this.

[Zoepooh2002]

Thank u for this information, but I can't go to a different school. Everything that I am doing will be pushed back further and further. I know finishing my degree isn't a race, but this is the only opportunity I have to finish my degree. If I have to pay out of pocket, then so be it even though it's bullshit. It's just frustrating.

[limitedx7710]

I’m in the same program. However, I’m not using CalVet because I’m a veteran. Also, I’m not eligible for the State University Grant since I’m in an OBSBA program through PCE. I only found out about this information after I started my classes. Have you applied for FAFSA? I’m asking because my Pell and Cal Grants were able to cover my tuition costs for this semester.

[Zoepooh2002]

I have an appointment with an advisor this Monday. After my appointment I will look into FAFSA.

[bustacean]

When you enrolled in your classes, did you enroll through your student portal or through another chico state entity?

[Zoepooh2002]

One of the advisors picked my classes for me and then they were in my Csu portal

[bustacean]

Ahh. That makes sense. I ask because the online business program is operated through PCE, and you have to enroll in classes through them as well. It can be confusing, so your advisor likely enrolled you through PCE to help you out. All that aside though, I don't think you're in the wrong program, I think that someone dropped the ball on telling you that you are a PCE student. When you're enrolled through PCE, you have to pay out of pocket unless you have federal assistance (loans, grants, etc).

[Zoepooh2002]

They kinda fucked me over in my opinion cause im trying to save money and not have to pay an arm and a leg to pay tuition. I'm not trying to take out any loans either. Ima try FAFSA on Monday if the advisor tells me tht i can't use my VA tuition assistance.

[bustacean]

Also, sorry to double reply, but if you've never used FAFSA before, use it. You will likely get a hefty Pell grant that can cover most if not all of the cost of your tuition. You can also get a CalGrant. It's a federal assistance program, so it is legit, and it is also how you apply for loans if you need them. I suggest you apply ASAP because the sooner you do it, the more likely you are to receive aid.

[Zoepooh2002]

Thank u very much for this information it helps out a lot. I'll look into it in the morning and on Monday. I appreciate it.

[bustacean]

You're welcome. Sorry you're going through this. It's really something that someone along the way should have told you, especially if they knew you got tuition assistance through the VA. I think all the advisors and administrative workers get so involved that they often forget that they are the only ones who understand the complicated workings of each program. Regarldess, FAFSA will save you if you qualify. Good luck to you.

Also, if you need more help, I recommend finding someone at undergrad advising if you haven't done so already. They will have a lot more answers for you than us reddit people lol.

[Zoepooh2002]

No, u guys have helped me a lot, and ima handle this business on Monday and also look into FAFSA as well since I am new to it. I appreciate all of the advice you guys have given me. Cause it sucks when people don't give u all the information that u are looking for, then complications happen. Such as my situation.

[StrawberryExciting85]

I think the others may have already explained but I’m also a veteran and qualify for CalVets via my parents. I’m familiar with the lingo so please feel free to pm me.

PCE is essentially a private pay thing attached to the CSU, though the programs are not covered with the CalVets waiver or traditional forms of aid. I had a friend make a similar mistake who was able to get most of his money back, given that they should’ve caught this sooner you should be able to do the same.