Your reply above made it sound like he was a current college student.
There might still be time to apply to other more affordable schools if he is a high school senior.
But yes, he should try and earn money this summer, and do work study during the semester (but that money is earned as he works, so not available when the first bill is due). And he can borrow up to $5,500 a year in student loans.
He’s already applied to colleges and been accepted to several. All are similar price - in state public.
He does have $1k in the bank and should earn $2k this summer but was thinking he’d use that for incidentals. Trying to avoid taking out unsubsidized student loans. Our PTSA has scholarships but there’s only 7 of them so I was thinking they’d be hard to get since he’s not top 10%.
We paid the interest annually on the unsubsidzed portion of the loans while,the kids were in college. It was NOT expensive to do so…and better than having the interest compound in terms of eventual payments.
So…we just subsidized those loans!
Interest doesn’t compound on loans while you are in school. There is basically a one time compounding when you begin repayment (no way to get a payment on the entire amount owed without compounding at that time) but you could just pay all accrued interest after graduation too if you don’t want it to compound.
Look to your community for scholarships, your credit union, your electric company, your civic clubs, these are the places that will give the most for community service.
Apply for the PTSA scholarship and everything else you can. I know they are a pain to fill out, but you just may get lucky. Maybe have him attach a note (if allowed) detailing how much he will be working and taking loans, etc. but still has xxx amount of need. Also tell them you have not received any other scholarships. The top kids may have merit awards already and hopefully your PTSA looks for a variety of kids. Good luck!
@twoinanddone no the interest doesn’t compound while you are in school…but paying it off annually, if possible, makes your end amount smaller.
I’ve found that a lot of “community” scholarships found in the GC’s office cater to students with an interesting background and not-so-perfect grades. Talk to your GC, and see what you’re eligible to apply for.
Unfortunately due to our income he doesn’t look like he needs anything but we all know expected family contributions are a little ridiculous.
Most of the local scholarships in our area could only be used instate. I also found some near the college my daughter attends (for that county, or schools in a certain area).
Did your kiddo get subsidized loans? Those are based on financial need.
He’ll get $3500 in subsidized loans…that’s it for his first year. He’ll get $4500 second year and $5500 for his 3rd and 4th years.
If he gets outside scholarships you will need to report them to the school, and if his need decreases, the amount of subsidized loan might also decrease.
No worries since the university won’t be giving him anything anyway.