(Advice Please) Poor w/ EFC=0 , Will I be able to go to any university if financial aid isnt enough?

That $27000 is the total cost of living on campus. I’m sure you can live much more inexpensively (although having a car makes it more expensive) Look at the costs the school directly bills to you - tuition and fees - if you live off campus.

“College is not meant for the poor unless you’re athlete or go to the top schools”

That’s not true. I was able to go to college and my mother was on Welfare. I didn’t have the full on living on campus experience. But I was able to get a degree. I just went to a CUNY school and commuted from home. What did you major in CC. Maybe that can help you get a better job.

Is it possible just to live in your car on the campus or at homeless shelter? The car seems like good idea and I can get gym membership to shower and stuff
I m not wanting to live in the dorms for the college experience but bc my current living situation is temporary. They are wanting to put my mother in hospice care in July . The apartment is in her name so I will have to leave. That is what worries me as a commuter. And some of those schools are 3hours away

Yes it’s lower but I’m considering living out of my car if the school will allow that

Yes I will have to be more creative with trying to get my education

No you can’t live in your car. Think about it. You need to be well rested, and at the top of your game. You want to do,well. It’s better to take longer, go part time, and actually finish your degree, than to think of cut rate ways to do so like living in your car.

What is your community college degree major?

The community college that she attended has many health related degrees that she could complete in a relatively short period of time , begin to work and then return to school. They also have good career counseling and placement services available.

One suggestion above, is that you look for a job at a university. Most universities offer tuition benefits for their employees. That means that even if you are working as a janitor, you could take one or two classes for free every semester. When I was in grad school, the department secretary was working her way through college like that. Yes, it did take her a while, but she finished her education.

Since your mother expects to enter hospice in July or so, I expect that you have a lot on your mind right now. It might make more sense for you to focus on those parts of your life, and go back to college in another year or so.

Wishing you all the best!

Yes, you mentioned a household of 5. Where will your siblings, everyone live when your mom gets put in hospice?

You need a place to live and a job, then see how you can best attain your education goals.

Ok I did some research. In your OP you said max financial aid is $20,575. Going by your numbers you will be able to attend the following schools at, under that price or damn near close.

Coastal Carolina University
$20,780 Tuition & Room & Broad.

Francis Marion University
$20,106 Tuition & Room & Broad.

Lander University
$19,434 Tuition & Room & Broad.

University of SC Aikens
$17,186 Tuition & Room & Broad.

University of SC Beaufort
$19,378 Tuition & Room & Broad.

I’m sure there are more but these are the 1st 5 I came across. It seems to be plenty of schools in your price range. So I’m not understanding the problem. Is it that you just want to go to Clemson?

@sensation723

The $20575 max aid amount is for CLEMSON. There is no guarantee that this would be the aid this student would receive at any of the other schools on your list…or did you run a net price calculator to see?

Also if those are published room and board costs, living off campus in a roomshare would probably be much cheaper. So if tuition, rent, utilities, food costs would be able to be covered by your aid then you could finish your degree at one of those schools.

@thumper1 Yes I did and run the NPC. I only included tuition room and broad leaving out things like books because she has a job and can cover that with her wages. $20575 only include federal and state aid that’s the same no matter what school she goes to. I posted a link in a previous post with the federal and state financial aid.

That’s true honestly I’m going to take a break and wait until i’m 24.

Associate of Science

My siblings will go into foster care and I will just have nowhere to go. I thought being in college I could potentially live in the dorms but after doing my research that just isn’t a option for me. So I’m going to wait 2 years and return to school when I’m 24 . I just don’t have the support, money, or resources to attend college right now. It is more important for me to make sure I have the basics in life right now and worry about education later in life.

I chose Clemson mostly because it was closer than the others because at least I can commute. But I didn’t know the cost could be that low including room and board. I will take look at those universities but if I still have a issue. I will take a 2 year break from school and improve my financial situation

I think taking a 2 year break is a good idea. There is a lot going on in your personal life. Even if you was able to attend a University you will still have to worry about all the other things that’s going on. Take time off and deal with what’s going on with your family.