Paying for College

Ok...so im on my own for college basically and i doubt my parents are going to pay any money for me unless idk. Is anyone else paying for their own college tuition? How does the whole Finacial Aide and student loans work? Im very confused on everything and paying if you are on your own without your parents help. Does anyone have any good input on this? Im so lost.

-Court-

[sciguy125]

I think you'll first have to figure out how much it will cost. Where do you plan on going? Will you have to find/pay for housing? Once you have an idea of how much it will cost, you can better decide how you're going to get the money for it.

[Lisa Perez]

And definitely consider scholarships as well - FIRST and technology-related organizations have so much to offer. Take advantage of their resources.

[nehalita]

I'm applying to about 25+ scholarships -- you can PM me if you want the list. Granted, I'm not going to get all of these,not even half of them (because these scholarships aren't designated to a specific university, they are just general scholarships) but even if I get one, it's worth it.

Whatever my scholarships and financial aid won't pay, I'm taking out in loans

[ebmonon36]

I pay for half of my college, my parents pay for the other half. For the past 2 years, I have been able to pay the fees without a loan. This year I probably will have to take one.
Financial Aid is determined through FAFSA. They look over your financial situation and your parents to determine if any aid is needed. Your school will look over this information to see what kind of aid you will need. They will usually then mail you a letter saying what kind of rewards you get, whether it's a grant or a loan. This is a good website that explains some of the different kinds of loans and ways to pay for college. http://www.finaid.org/
Eric

[Kyle Fenton]

One thing worth considering is to determine your major, and what types of classes you need to take. Then for one year go to a community college to take those courses, and you can transfer into another college. Most freshman level courses are basic, and are usually offered by community colleges.

I know a couple of people who have done this, and thought it was worth it.

[team222badbrad]

I too am on my own for college. I am currently going to Penn State University and I am on my third semester standing (Sophomore).

Anyway, I do not think the FASFA application is available yet for the 2006 - 2007 school year.

The eligibility for grants and such from them all depends on your families income, living situations, many factors involved, etc....

I am paying for my college education with a combination of grants, loans, and a small scholarship, but hey, it pays for a portion of my bill!

Also expect your tuition to increase every year!

I think most loans you have to start paying back one year after you graduate.

If you can, try to get extra loan money and just leave it in the bank just in case, who knows something bad might happen.

Also see if the college you want to go to has some type of work/study program where they pay to do stuff. I help my campus's Student Activities Director, by hanging up posters and such.

The work/study might not be much, but it pays for gas and food, it also gives you something to do between classes!

If you have more questions just PM me or AIM me @ bsrtunkpa.

Here is a nice list on what you can expect to pay for college:

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/...2.asp?GT1=6939

GO Penn State for being the most expensive public school!

[nehalita]

actually the fafsa app is availible for 2006-2007 -- i've already started filling it out. i'd recommend starting now because you have to register to get a pin and only THEN can you fill it out. so atleast register for the pin now so when you sit down later to fill it out, you already have the pin ready.

thanks everyone for giving your inputs. this college stuff is so stressful lol i just might do one year at a community college incase the loans and financial aide doesnt work for me and i can just get all my general courses done then after that one year i will transfer to a reuglar 4 year college or something. i am definetly going to look into finacial aides and loans and schlorships and how much the colleges i want to go to cost.

[Jay H 237]

Some companys also will reimburse part of or all of your college tuition. This will depend on if the company has this program and if you work full time or not. You will have to find out the company's guidelines on this. This is usually limited to a community college though but if you're looking to take some courses it might be worth it.


I took some computer courses at my local community college which I paid for myself. Also being employed full time I took the classes on Saturdays if possible, but if not weeknights.

[Brian Lesser]

So far, here is what happened for me...

When I was born, my parent's put money aside from me for college. Obviously, now that I'm going into college, I am able to go into that money so I can pay for my tuition.

At the moment, my plans are Harper for 3 years due to the transfer requirements. 30 minutes from my house to Harper isn't so bad. After all, I get to pass by Rolling Meadows =D

If you do plan on going to a community college for a year, expect something around $1500, INCLUDING BOOKS, for a semester.

Tuition for Universities will vary...A LOT. I have looked into NIU, and I already see around $16,000 right there.

Scholarships are the way to go. Sign up for as many as possible (maybe even one of those that FIRST gives )

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

If you are pursuing a reasonable college education, definitly look closer at in-state than out-of-state unless you can get significant aide out of state. While there are many out-of-state schools that offer significantly awesome scholarships, it's hard to compete for.

Keep in mind also that travel costs are huge. Gas is very expensive right now, and travelling 2-3+ hours whenever you need to get home might just add up to quite a bit.

Go to collegeboard.com, and in the advanced search feature, make sure the schools have lots of scholarship stuff and work-study programs.

Also, talk to your parents about this specifically. Try to get a commitment on what they will help you with. If they see that you're making a visible effort, they might just be more supportive of paying maybe 25-50% of the tuition. or maybe paying for your tuition while you pay for all outside stuff, or vice versa.

Good luck!

[Ricky Q.]

All I can say is apply for every scholarship possible, even if you think you only have a remote chance of getting it, apply. I was fortunate enough to get a full scholarship from my University and more from others that I applied for that helped with housing and other costs.

Also the FAFSA can help, the application for the 2006-2007 is not avaliable yet, look for it in January. You have to fill this out every year in order to even qualify for Federal Aid.

Just make sure to look at all your options and to work hard.

[tiffany34990]

there are ton of local scholarships...if you are paying for yourself you become in the category for finical need base....there are tons of scholarships more that you can get.. check w/ your guidance office...at my school there was a whole bin and booklet. and look on the web at fastweb.com ..some ppl got great stuff using that...


and make sure on your college application you say you are dependent if you are paying for yourself. the college will consider that, put you in the pool of money..but act fast..apply for the schools at the first deadline if possible... if you want to go the that particular school..i say early action...first ones apply..first ones get the money

also w/ some schools..you can do work study programs..those are great...they help pay for college while you study and work a part time job to earn money for yourself

FAS HA like everyone said before... it starts in January. You have to complete that.

here's just some more advise..I've learned through people: when and doubt just apply for things.... and i recommend if you haven't already get your teacher/mentor recommendations..don't wait till everyone is asking... and make copies so you won't have to keep asking for them... and make sure you read if your HS transcript is necessary or not.... it is very important..


Good luck on this adventure...it's always hard to find money. and i hope you get into the college of your choice.

[Joe Matt]

Originally Posted by CourtneyB

Ok...so im on my own for college basically and i doubt my parents are going to pay any money for me unless idk. Is anyone else paying for their own college tuition? How does the whole Finacial Aide and student loans work? Im very confused on everything and paying if you are on your own without your parents help. Does anyone have any good input on this? Im so lost.

-Court-

Ok, calm down. It's not hard at all. Ok, my parents helped with Fin Aid applications and such, but still, it's not as bad as you think.

First, Financial Aid is the general umbrella term used for the idea of someone outside of you family giving you money to go to college. Student loans are under that catagory.

Second, look into colleges who offer a FIRST scholarship *cough*UD*cough* and look into those first. If you find a few close (or far away) schools that offer money, look them up and see how much money the offer typically. I know that UD is $30,000, but they give EVERYONE financial aid based on your SAT scores (I got $8,000 off for a 1300). See if other schools do something like this.

Third ask your school counselor about student loans applications. YOU WILL NEED YOUR PARENTS TO HELP YOU ON THESE. Many require information from the parents.

As for me, my parents are paying, but I have gotten loans to help with my half.