I have no money, not eligible for FASFA, and parents can't do much but co-sign.
So anyone have some sort of experience with paying for college on their own, I'm thinkin with a huge loan?
I plan on living in an apartment as an entering freshman, 700 bucks a month should cover me for living expenses.
Haven't much looked into scholarships, but I'll see how much my bagpipes get me.

Yeah, read about scholarships.
If it's your first year, you're a noob.
Don't expect to be taken seriously.
College juniors are taken seriously if they have a good GPA.
They often get money.
When people go for their Master's degree, sometimes they get paid to join a group doing research (and that research goes toward the Master's); a win-win situation.

Best thing for you to do is get a job.
Personally, were I to go back in time, I would have double-majored as a freshman.
I didn't do that, but in some ways I'm skilled in more than one thing.

Maybe take 12 hours your first semester and get a job. When summer hits, you should work.
For a lower-middle class person, I believe it's better to work than to take summer classes.
But the exception to the rule are these people who take 9 credits hours during the summer.
I see a lot of these people damaging their GPA that way, but they do graduate earlier.

I always suggest people do something like CAD ($12+ USD an hour), nursing, or accounting if they want to make money. Some people are doing a pharmacy tech thing. There are a lot of good jobs out there if you're willing to put forward the extra effort. I mean, these jobs pay well and there is a demand out there. It's also a fallback job.

But for now, get a job.
If you can get training for a technical job inbetween, I really suggest you do that.
It will set you up for success.

Do your damndest.
Study hard, think fast, and move fast.

Merit scholarships given by your institution and your state are where it is at. If you can't get an institutional scholarship of some sort you should seriously reconsider your school (or higher ed as a whole). A "huge" loan is probably not a good idea either, if you can go to a state institution and work during the summers you should have a very small amount of debt when you graduate and a relatively good GPA as well. Good luck.

I go to an instate school and it costs roughly $20,000 a year when all total costs are factored in. I'm not eligible for any FAFSA aid either, and I'm a white male. The merit scholarship I was given, which was their highest regular scholarship, was for $10,000, or $2,500/year. I got another one from the state for $2,000/year and there are some small local ones that may or may not be renewed each year for another $1,000 - $2,000/year. I work all summer, and last summer I was fortunate enough to work somewhere where I was needed full time. In my experience, it's pretty hard to find a job, let alone a seasonal one, where you could make enough money to pay for school with just that. And I was living at home for free during the summer, with gas as my only real expense. I probably made close to $3,000. So that's about $9,500 for the year covered right there. As a freshman, I believe you are now eligible for $5,500 (increased by Congress from $3,500 a year ago) in a government Stafford loan, which has a lower interest rate than a loan from a bank, so I definitely take all of that. Since I'm technically a junior though, I can take out $7,500. So there's $16,500 covered for the year. I'll work during Christmas break and make back about $600-700, replenishing my bank account a little bit. The remaining $3,000 or so that I'll need from the year will come from money I have in the bank from the previous year, when I got a loan from Sallie Mae, which is one of the most popular places people go to get student loans (www.salliemae.com). I took out the maximum amount according to my school's cost of enrollment, which ended up being $13,000 from Sallie Mae, and after they pay the school each semester, you get a refund into your bank account to use for personal expenses. I don't throw money around, so I had several thousand leftover to use for the next year, which is now.

Now as for 2009-2010...heh, well, I'm going to have to go back to Sallie Mae and take out another loan. I'm hoping to finish my degree in three years; I'm trying to take 20 hours each quarter, the maximum allowed (because once you're full time, it all costs the same whether you take 12 hours or 20 or whatever the limit is at your school). If I finish in three years, I'll come out owing Sallie Mae a good $20,000, and the US government about $18,500, plus interest. $40,000 in debt, and I had a 4.0 in high school and am taking into account finishing a whole year early. Awesome. :thumbs up:

Oh and the Sallie Mae student loan is your debt, not your parent's. Although they do have those too, as well as the government. Your parents cosign to secure you the loan and a "better" interest rate (I think mine is around 8 or 9%) and interest begins accruing while you are in school, but you don't have to make any payments until 6 months after you graduate. Since you may get a new loan each year, they get rolled into one big loan for repayment.

if you have to foot the bill, start at the community college. a full semester and books will run you alot less than at a four year instituition. depending on the state, you should be able to transfer to a state school and graduate at a four year place, meaning you only have to pay two years rather than four...


which during that time at community college, you should try to find a decent enough job to allow you to save up some money. live at home its cheaper..

Now as for 2009-2010...heh, well, I'm going to have to go back to Sallie Mae and take out another loan. I'm hoping to finish my degree in three years; I'm trying to take 20 hours each quarter, the maximum allowed (because once you're full time, it all costs the same whether you take 12 hours or 20 or whatever the limit is at your school). If I finish in three years, I'll come out owing Sallie Mae a good $20,000, and the US government about $18,500, plus interest. $40,000 in debt, and I had a 4.0 in high school and am taking into account finishing a whole year early. Awesome. :thumbs up:

Oh and the Sallie Mae student loan is your debt, not your parent's. Although they do have those too, as well as the government. Your parents cosign to secure you the loan and a "better" interest rate (I think mine is around 8 or 9%) and interest begins accruing while you are in school, but you don't have to make any payments until 6 months after you graduate. Since you may get a new loan each year, they get rolled into one big loan for repayment.

Man you are getting fucked over. I gouged the system enough to actually be getting paid to be going to college (long story short: several scholarships and a cheap state institution :cool:). I'll discuss it when I have time; doing schoolwork now. :(

I gouged the system enough to actually be getting paid to be going to college (long story short: several scholarships and a cheap state institution :cool:). I'll discuss it when I have time; doing schoolwork now. :(

Please do explain, at your leisure

Please do explain, at your leisure

Okay. So I attend the University of Utah, which gave me a merit scholarship worth full tuition (http://www.sa.utah.edu/finance/scholarships/scholar/freshman/honorsandentrance.htm). Then, because I graduated a year early from high school, I was also eligible for the State of Utah Centennial Scholarship (http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r277/r277-703.htm), which gave me a one-time award of $1,000 spread out over 2 semesters (fees average about $400 per semester and are not paid for by my institutional scholarship). Further, because I had also completed my Associate of Science degree while still in high school, I was also eligible for the New Century Scholarship (http://www.utahsbr.edu/acad01h.html), which pays for 75% of tuition for 60 credits. According to this tuition schedule (http://fbs.admin.utah.edu/index.php/fsr), I will be receiving nearly $7,000 in my first 2 years of college from the state from this scholarship. The best part about that is that if there is extra money in your account after tuition, fees, and room and board are paid (I live at home so that's not an expense), the leftover money is either kept in your account for next semester or sent to you as a check. Obviously I already keep my first scholarship money in my account so I will be receiving almost $2,000 this semester from my state.

In addition to this, I have also qualified as a semifinalist for National Merit Scholarship, and if all goes well (and it almost certainly will, out of 16,000 chosen only 1,000 don't move on) I will attain finalist standing in February and will begin receiving further stipends from my university. A minimum of $500 per semester (http://www.sa.utah.edu/finance/scholarships/scholar/freshman/MeritScholarship.htm) for every semester I'm in school (I plan to be there for 8) except for the first will be given by my university, in addition to any other corporate scholarships that I may receive from NMSC (8,200 of 16,000 are selected for these, so I think I have a pretty good chance of grabbing one).

Might as well add: 3.9GPA in high school overall (this includes college, AP, and regular HS classes), 3.75 for my college courses (AP excluded), 48 out of a class of 660, 1400 old SAT, 2110 new.


Oh, and to be clear, I totally disapprove of these egregious merit scholarships. Personally I think need-based scholarships do more good. However there are practical ethics and then there are pure ethics, and I follow the former in this case.

Man you are getting fucked over. I gouged the system enough to actually be getting paid to be going to college (long story short: several scholarships and a cheap state institution :cool:). I'll discuss it when I have time; doing schoolwork now. :(

What is your situation in the way of financial need though? Basically, how much money do your parents make per year, and do they have other kids, and/or other kids in college, to worry about? I really believe I would've got more scholarships that I applied for if my parents were not making so much money. Which doesn't help me at all, because they are so far in debt they are unable to pay any of my school costs. Sometimes they'll throw some money at my loan interest, but that's rare. They made about $105,000 last year combined, and according to FAFSA they should be contributing $22,000/year to my education. :rolleyes:


I'm almost on the verge of going to my college's scholarship office and saying I forgot to tell them I am Native American or hispanic or some shit to get full tuition covered.

What is your situation in the way of financial need though? Basically, how much money do your parents make per year, and do they have other kids, and/or other kids in college, to worry about? I really believe I would've got more scholarships that I applied for if my parents were not making so much money. Which doesn't help me at all, because they are so far in debt they are unable to pay any of my school costs. Sometimes they'll throw some money at my loan interest, but that's rare. They made about $105,000 last year combined, and according to FAFSA they should be contributing $22,000/year to my education. :rolleyes:

My father makes about $95,000 annually. My mother is unemployed and their house is worth $500,000 (back when I did my FAFSA in January), and about 70% of their mortgage ($200,000) is paid off. Trust me, I didn't qualify for any need aid. My family's EFC is $15,157 (tuition is about 12k/year). No other kids in college or of college age. Besides, all those scholarships were merit aid.


I'm almost on the verge of going to my college's scholarship office and saying I forgot to tell them I am Native American or hispanic or some shit to get full tuition covered.

It doesn't work like that; you have to apply at the beginning of the academic year (sometimes you can't apply after Freshman year) and most minority-specific scholarships are private.

My father makes about $95,000 annually. My mother is unemployed and their house is worth $500,000 (back when I did my FAFSA in January), and about 70% of their mortgage ($200,000) is paid off. Trust me, I didn't qualify for any need aid. My family's EFC is $15,157 (tuition is about 12k/year). No other kids in college or of college age. Besides, all those scholarships were merit aid.




It doesn't work like that; you have to apply at the beginning of the academic year (sometimes you can't apply after Freshman year) and most minority-specific scholarships are private.

Heh, I know it doesn't work like that. I wasn't being serious. But the people I do know who have their tuition covered are minorities, or, and this might be more irritating, from a certain region of the country. A popular one here is this fucking "Appalachian scholarship" covering full tuition and/or full total costs depending on one's grades for people who are from the Appalachian area of the country. Now what the fuck is that? Some of these people are instate, others are out of state.

I should've had more fun in high school, I guess. A perfect high school GPA can't even come close to paying for my in state public college education. Shit.

I am in the same position as the OP...kinda/sorta. I go to an "inexpensive" state school in PA, which runs around $13,000 a year, and I am a freshman, but I am scared shitless how I'm going to pay for the next 3 years. I do have some savings bonds and the like, but nowhere near enough. My family is not wealthy by any means...I would say Lower to Middle-Middle class, but FAFSA gave me nothing except the ability to get government loans. I get $1,500 a year from my place of employment as a scholarship, which helps, but really isn't much looking that the big picture. Not only that, but I am doing horribly here...barely passing the majority of my classes. Given the economy, I'm worried i'll be out of luck when it comes to get student loans in the future, or being able to get a good job out of college. Would it make sense to transfer to a community college near my house (either after this semester or the next) for a while and working (since I have a job back home, but can't find shit where I am now.)...it would cost me less than $1,500/year for community college with the scholarship factored in. I wanted to start out there so bad to save money (i'm not much of a social person or partier to begin with so I could care less about campus life) but my parents discouraged me from doing so :(

Would it make sense to transfer to a community college near my house (either after this semester or the next) for a while and working (since I have a job back home, but can't find shit where I am now.)...it would cost me less than $1,500/year for community college with the scholarship factored in. I wanted to start out there so bad to save money (i'm not much of a social person or partier to begin with so I could care less about campus life) but my parents discouraged me from doing so :(

Do it do it do it do it.

Seriously, unless you go to school for (nearly) free there is no reason not to go to a community college. All you're taking is bullshit gen-ed classes which are about the same regardless of college. I assure you Calculus I is the same at the Ivy Leagues as it is in Salt Lake Community College (okay, maybe SLCC will have about a fourth of the class size, but no difference aside from that). If you're not taking anything important it would be financial suicide to go to an expensive school. You wouldn't pay $10 for a red apple when there's a yellow apple for $1.15 (the ratio of your 2 schools), would you? Get out of there and take every class that your community college offers that you will need for your degree. Only go to an expensive school when your cheap school doesn't offer the courses you need for graduation (but don't graduate entirely, you'll need to fulfill residency requirements at your expensive school so be sure to factor that in as well). An education is an education and it barely varies among gen ed classes. Tell your parents that it's your money so you'll spend it however you want.

Man you are getting fucked over. I gouged the system enough to actually be getting paid to be going to college (long story short: several scholarships and a cheap state institution :cool:). I'll discuss it when I have time; doing schoolwork now. :(

I was sooooooo close to getting paid for school this year, then my school added on a last bit of assfuckery(1100 dollar "clerkship fee"), and I ended up owing 459 dollars or so.

Next year I should be able to bank some of my scholarship though.

I am in the same position as the OP...kinda/sorta. I go to an "inexpensive" state school in PA, which runs around $13,000 a year, and I am a freshman, but I am scared shitless how I'm going to pay for the next 3 years. I do have some savings bonds and the like, but nowhere near enough. My family is not wealthy by any means...I would say Lower to Middle-Middle class, but FAFSA gave me nothing except the ability to get government loans. I get $1,500 a year from my place of employment as a scholarship, which helps, but really isn't much looking that the big picture. Not only that, but I am doing horribly here...barely passing the majority of my classes. Given the economy, I'm worried i'll be out of luck when it comes to get student loans in the future, or being able to get a good job out of college. Would it make sense to transfer to a community college near my house (either after this semester or the next) for a while and working (since I have a job back home, but can't find shit where I am now.)...it would cost me less than $1,500/year for community college with the scholarship factored in. I wanted to start out there so bad to save money (i'm not much of a social person or partier to begin with so I could care less about campus life) but my parents discouraged me from doing so :(

If you transfer to a community college after a semester or a year at your state school, you have to make sure you aren't taking any classes you don't need. People usually go to community college for two years after high school and then transfer. If you stay at your state school taking general requirements for this whole year, you'll have roughly a year, possibly less, left of general classes you can take at a community college, though you better be certain the credit will transfer as you want it. My point is you have to think how much switching to community college at this point is going to buy you. I mean, you could also just take summer courses at the community college this summer and knock out a semester's worth of credits right there...and then do that again the next summer if you needed to.

Are you in a major program yet, or still undecided?

If you transfer to a community college after a semester or a year at your state school, you have to make sure you aren't taking any classes you don't need. People usually go to community college for two years after high school and then transfer. If you stay at your state school taking general requirements for this whole year, you'll have roughly a year, possibly less, left of general classes you can take at a community college, though you better be certain the credit will transfer as you want it. My point is you have to think how much switching to community college at this point is going to buy you. I mean, you could also just take summer courses at the community college this summer and knock out a semester's worth of credits right there...and then do that again the next summer if you needed to.

Are you in a major program yet, or still undecided?

I'm in a major right now, although i'm probably gonna end up changing it as I really don't like what I (will) am be doing. None of my classes right now have anything to do with my major anyway (Math, chemistry, etc.). Frankly, I'm stressed out enough as it is and just barely scraping by in those classes. My local CC has a thing on their website to show what credits will transfer to my state school, so I think I am set now. I could take summer classes, but I would much rather have 4 months off at this point...being here is making me feel sick (a combination of the money i'm spending and will have to pay back, horrible classes, and the environment overall). I think I may just take a year break and join Americorps or something, or just work for a while.

I'm in a major right now, although i'm probably gonna end up changing it as I really don't like what I (will) am be doing. None of my classes right now have anything to do with my major anyway (Math, chemistry, etc.). Frankly, I'm stressed out enough as it is and just barely scraping by in those classes. My local CC has a thing on their website to show what credits will transfer to my state school, so I think I am set now. I could take summer classes, but I would much rather have 4 months off at this point...being here is making me feel sick (a combination of the money i'm spending and will have to pay back, horrible classes, and the environment overall). I think I may just take a year break and join Americorps or something, or just work for a while.

Sounds like you're just having trouble adjusting to college life. Want to move back home, eh? Believe me, during my first year I thought a lot about how much easier things would've been had I just gone to my community college and lived at home. You might get over that feeling if you give it some time, and then again you might be better off back at home, so I don't know. I think if you take any time off, you likely won't ever go back. Most don't.

I'm in a major right now, although i'm probably gonna end up changing it as I really don't like what I (will) am be doing. None of my classes right now have anything to do with my major anyway (Math, chemistry, etc.). Frankly, I'm stressed out enough as it is and just barely scraping by in those classes. My local CC has a thing on their website to show what credits will transfer to my state school, so I think I am set now. I could take summer classes, but I would much rather have 4 months off at this point...being here is making me feel sick (a combination of the money i'm spending and will have to pay back, horrible classes, and the environment overall). I think I may just take a year break and join Americorps or something, or just work for a while.

Make a good decision. College isn't for everyone, but at the same time it could be just a phase you're going through. I won't tell you to stay or drop out, just to think about your situation.

FAFSA Grants were 3.2k a semester if I attend full time.

My EFC is $0. Yay for having parents working out of the country.

12 credit hours (full time) is $856 at my community college.

Books cost $410. This cost will be much lower next semester.

I got a check for $1900 that I just threw in the bank.

On top of that I have a twin brother who takes the same classes (we'll be sharing books from now on) and also got the same amount.

After we both paid for our classes for the first semester freshman year we had almost $4,000 surplus.

Our dad got a loan in his credit for my brother. Dad kept $800 for bills and we took the other $2,000 and put that in the bank. Keep in mind we will be getting $2,800 from that loan each SEMESTER.

So now we had upwards of $6,000 profit each semester we're in school.

If I could stay in community college for 10 years I would. I'm making a profit.

We do, however, love alone. So we pay for $750 a month rent, plus about $300 utilities, car note, insurance, cable, etc.

The great thing about all of this is that I also have a job where I work 30 hours a week at $10 an hour doing tech support... I might also be getting a raise to $12 soon too.

My job covers all bills plus some change left over.

As long as we can maintain this I think we're gonna be doing great.

As for the OP:

Join some sort of military program (air force, army, reserves, etc.)

Or ask your university about "Work-Study" jobs.