I'm writing this because I refuse to let a run of bad luck ruin a career I've worked incredibly hard to build.
The Situation:
Everything started sliding in Summer 2024. I was retaking a class (3rd attempt). I didn't start strong, but I locked in and got an A on the second exam. Then, in July, I lost my house to the Hurricane. Dealing with the fallout caused me to fail the class, putting me on probation.
Fall 2024 was a grind. I was effectively living in a inhabitable house, constantly moving, and spending weekends repairing my family's home and fighting insurance companies absolutely alone (Parents couldnt help either). During the week, I commuted between Houston and College Station (sometimes via rideshare/Flixbus just to study on the way). Despite this, I passed every class on my schedule with flying colorsexcept one.
I fell strictly ill and was hospitalized during finals. This caused me to miss the final for the class I was retaking. I was communicating with my advisor, but because I didn't get a "No-Grade" and didn't meet the strict probation requirement of passing all classes with a C+, I was dismissed from Engineering.
Where I Am Now I switched majors to reset, took a brief withdrawal on advice from a great advisor, and came back this semester swinging. I am on track to pass everything. However, life blindsided me again: My apartment was recently robbed. They cleaned me out completely.
What I Need guidance with:
- The Financial Hold: I have a $14k Emergency Loan balance (tuition/living costs accumulation). I cannot register for classes without clearing this. I can barely make rent right now because of the robbery. Are there specific high-level grants or alumni aid for students in extreme crisis?
- The Major Appeal: I feel I was dismissed from Engineering procedurally rather than based on merit. I have the medical documentation for the missed final, and my professional track record (internships/networking) proves I can do the work. Is there a specific Dean or office I can present my case to that looks at the whole student, not just the probation algorithm?
I've worked too hard and come too far to drop out because of bad luck. If anyone knows who I should email or visit to get eyes on my case, please let me know.

I am so sorry that you have had 2 different tragedies that have affected your college life.

The Academic Forum is probably a place where you can get help.

Pulling for you, OP. You seem to have the right attitude and ambition and have been dealt an unfair hand. Please keep us posted and may all good luck and energy be with you.

From the little presented here, it sounds like you need to get a full-time job and go to school part-time for a few years and build up a cash reserve and then go back full-time,

People go many years to school to get a degree. I went seven in engineering and worked 30 hours a week, my daughter worked and went 12 to get her two degrees,

I have friend whose dad dropped out of A&M in the early 70s and went back to school at 58 years old. He said he always wanted to finish and he did,.,,wears the ring proudly,

Look at your education as a lifetime goal that you don't have to do asap, but as part of a career journey,