<p>Family is very low income (below $25k), but I made $8k this year. Applied for FAFSA, however no other forms of aid/scholarships. Already accepted to Texas Tech. Planning on taking two classes at community college this summer, as well as next summer to offset the cost of my classes. </p>
<p>Or... should I go to community college and then transfer to my target school (UT, Tech, or A&M). People keep telling me to go for Tech, because I will not end up transferring, or it will be harder too. Also Petroleum Engineering should pay off the debt pretty quick I suppose, no? </p>
<p>How do you guys feel? I am very confused on what I should do..</p>
<p>Go to Tech. You won’t have to worry about getting perfect grades at CC to transfer. Pet. Engineering pays generously so you won’t have a problem paying off the little debt you will probably get after needbased aids.</p>
<p>How in the world will you pay for Tech? The COA is $23K/year. You can only borrow $5.5K as a freshman.</p>
<p>Have you received your financial aid award for Tech?
How much would it cost after scholarships but before any loan?
Have you applied to any other school?
It’s true Pet E + Tech = good job with good salary after graduation, and CC in TX tends to delay graduation therefore delay earnings.
However You’re only allowed $5,500 in loans, you can expect to make about $4,500 summer+year earnings, you’d qualify for Pell ($5,000) and you say you have $8,000 (so, $2,000 for each year of schooling) so before any scholarship from Tech you can afford to spend $17,000 per year for college. Does it seem doable?</p>