<p>i've been freaking out the past couple of weeks, and have come to the conclusion that i cannot go to the college of my choice without some contribution by my parents
they have told me that they want me to pay for my school because it will teach me to appreciate my education and the value of a dollar. my dad came from an extremely poor background but was able to pay for his own school, and they want me to do the same
but i think that it's just impossible for me to do that- so i want to ask them if they can make a small contribution (as much as they pay for high school now) which i will pay back, interest free, after i graduate
any advice on how to do this without sounding like an entitled brat?</p>
<p>Ummm, if I were you, I’d just write an epic(and as honest as possible speech) about how you wanted to equip yourself with the best tools for doing good to the world and making your parents proud of your degree of education by going to the college of your choice.</p>
<p>I agree with the idea of being honest about it, and trying to convince your parents it’s worth the investment. </p>
<p>As a side note, I don’t believe asking your parents for some money (or in your case just a loan!) is at all being “an entitled brat.” It makes you like most college students who have their parents help and support financially through college. While I understand your parents desiring you to have good work ethic and a developed sense of value… but to me this seems not only extreme, but harsh and borderline uncaring…</p>
<p>And in any case, the very fact that you’ve been driven to post this question is proof enough of your ethics and social values 
The problem with I’ll be facing is how much to ask of my parents. I’m not from a very financially well off family. And the aid for International students is so limited. If I don’t get full need based aid for my dream colleges, I’m pretty certain I’ll be in a soup whether to ask my parents to stress our limited resources or study in my home country itself…</p>
<p>If you are going to ask your parents for a loan, you need to tell them that you will pay it back WITH INTEREST. Look up the current interest rates for private student loans, for parent loans, and for subsidized and unsubsidized loans so that you have figures to work with. Calculate how much money you would like to be able to borrow from your parents. Calculate how long you expect it would take you to pay them back at the rate that you would be paying for a private student loan. Present them with a complete plan. Two websites with good calculators are:</p>
<p>[FinAid</a> | Calculators](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Calculators - Finaid)
[College</a> Calculators - savings calculators - college costs, loans](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>How Much Will College Cost – BigFuture | College Board)</p>
<p>Only your parents know their true financial situation. They may be in a position to loan you money. They may not. If you can’t pay for “the college of my choice” without help from them, and/or without a ridiculous loan burden, you need to take a long hard look at your other options.</p>
<p>If you are contributing a major portion of the costs, I think your parents will be achieving their stated goal of having you appreciate your education. Point that out to them. I put myself through college many years ago, and I appreciated my education. However, college costs have increased so much that my Ds could not put themselves through, even at our state flagship (which is over $25K a year, instate). It’s admirable that your father was able to do it, but we’re in a different world right now, especially if you’re in a state where there aren’t a lot of inexpensive higher education options. I don’t think making the request is acting entitled at all - especially if you’re willing to repay the money once you’ve graduated. Your request is reasonable - just make it respectfully, back it up with the facts, and hope for the best!</p>