Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 6/4/2009

Question
Hi,
My name is Daniel cherry. I have been awarded a full ride army ROTC scholarship. I am worried about losing it or not being able to receive it because of some debt that i have. in total its maybe 2,000 dollars worth of debt with like 3 maybe 4 companies. I lost my job and now they sent them to collection agencies because i can not pay the full amounts that they want. i have been paying them in small amounts whenever i have a few spare dollars. Will this prevent me from getting a scholarship? i will have them all paid off by the time i  graduate but right now i cant pay them. Please let me know. Thanks!

Answer
I dont think it would affect you negatively as long as you continue to pay the debt as you are able.  The Army understands that the economy isnt the best right now and that people lose jobs. The problem would come in if you were to quit paying altogether.  A great goal is to have them paid before you finish high school and then the Army shouldn't even worry about it.  Good luck in your studies!