College Struggles

[only4u]

Well, I am about to graduate high school and my college is already wanting me pay a $250 deposit which my family can't afford. I always have other fees that total up to $500. I currently don't have a job because everyone gives you the run around I don't know what to do really. What do you do in a money situation like this?

 

[Lightforge]

I know how you feel mate, I'm barely through my first year in uni and I'm £3 grand in debt from tuition fees! Wish i could help but I don't know how fees/loans work in the US.

 

[Opalsunset]

Hi! You should see if you can get financial aid, in your situation, it shouldn't be too difficult. Check with the financial aid office at the school you want to attend and let them know of the financial issues you are having and 9 times out of 10 they will give you plenty of options, they did for me, and It's working out very well Im also praying that God will open a door for you!

 

[bubblefish]

I agree with Opal Financial Aid are usually really helpful in situations like this Even if the school can't help you directly (usually they can, but not always) the people in that office will know of other ways you can try to get the money.

It should be fine.

 

[Abyssal]

i'm like 15000 in debt lol, not much you can do, but make sure you have a degree in a field that will let you pay those debts off.

srsly I know of people (IRL) that have a master in history, and they are working as a secretary.

 

[Shabby]

Why don't you have a job? Just get one, even if they do "give you the run around".

 

[Penumbra]

I'll be over $55,000 in debt when I graduate, even though I go to a state school, have a part time job, and have a partial scholarship.

I'm sure you can find loans. The government supplies loans that you don't have to pay interest on until you graduate. If they are not enough, which they weren't for me, hopefully you can get your parents to co-sign a loan from a private bank that will also allow you to defer interest until after graduation.

 

[Kol]

Be advised now that there are all kinds of hidden costs not covered by tuition. Books (though sometimes left over loan money can cover this), application fees for certification (GACE I for example, which is $70), application fees, and so on. If you don't have anyone to support you, it can be tough. I've made it work, but it has been difficult at times. Be forewarned.

 

[ModestGirlsRock]

Have you applied for Fafsa? That'll help cover a major part. It's government student aid you have to apply for every year, but it's worth it. If you get a loan, make sure it's subsidized (sp) so interest doesn't start collecting until after you graduate from the university. Go on Fastweb.com and other college scholarship websites for anything you can apply for. Getting scholarships takes effort, but so does paying off those debts after they have all piled up. If you must get a job, get one on campus! and try to see if you can't start the RA program b/c if you can, by your sophomore, become an RA, you can live in the dorms without costs. . Once you have figured out your major, find out what scholarships that particular college offers and apply. That's all I can really think of, but hope it helps.

I'm starting college in the fall too, and while I'm not going to have any real big debt this year, I'm kind of scared for the following years.

 

[Sketcher]

Keep looking for work, and save up.

Oh, and only take out loans as a last resort. I don't think only $250 is worth a loan. Use all your possible grant options before relying on loans.

 

[Panzerkamfwagen]

Have you thought about ROTC?

 

[Amila001]

Apply for fafsa is the solution. To pay for your admission fee, you can borrow from somebody. For the books, check your library, if the book is there before you buy any book.