<p>Penn State has been my dream school since I was a freshman, and when I was accepted I was beyond ecstatic. But like most out of state colleges, Penn State is crazy expensive. My parent's can probably pay for some of it, but unless this economy turns around soon I would most likely need to take out student loans. Is anyone else in this position?</p>
<p>I’m taking out student loans for all of it too, but it’s not gonna turn me away. You just pay em back once you’re out and have a job.</p>
<p>pamom and I have made this comment before — no college, no university, is worth taking on an enormous debt. The jobs you are likely to have as brand-new graduates are not going to make paying back a bunch of debt easy, so please be careful when just assuming it will all turn out okay. And yes, there are lots and lots of people who can’t afford Penn State, it’s ridiculously expensive and tuition rises EVERY year, about 4-8% and the fees keep changing, too. You have to have a dream that includes what your life will be like after you graduate, not just when you are in school.</p>
<p>Same here. My husband and I are both grads, and we always intended for our children to go. Unfortunately, we make too much $$ to get financial aid and not enough $$ to pay tuition! Don’t do the loan thing!!! Go to a cheaper school - you can still be a Nittany Lion fan!</p>
<p>Bare in mind that the maximum you can borrow in Stafford loans is $33,000 over four years. If your parents are unwilling or unable to co-sign for you it’s unlikely you are going to be able to borrow much more than that.</p>
<p>andekat, even if you had a very low income you would not get much aid from Penn State.</p>