<p>The glory of WS or on-campus jobs is that sometimes one can study during them, they are usually flexible with the work hours or if a big project comes up, and one doesn't need a car to get get to them. Private U's, especially in urban areas, seem to pay better than the Public U's.</p>
<p>I was interested in WS at first but I figured there must be some definite cons.</p>
<p>Anyway, can anyone answer a couple more financial aid questions? Like, what's the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan? Is one "better" than the other? And, if a college doesn't meet 100% needs, do they leave you hanging (per se)? I'm trying to determine how much of my need will be met (approx. $4,000 or so after merit scholarship). If 50% of freshman receive need based fin. aid and the avg. total package is $7,000, will most of my costs be covered?</p>
<p>A subsidized loan you have to have financial need for. The benefit is that the interest is paid by the government until you graduate and a little after (6 months I think). You make no payments till that time.</p>
<p>I'd like to clarify -- I don't think WS is a bad thing - just that it can't be counted on for much. My kids were able to read & study while "on the job" for the low-paying WS jobs -- they had minimal responsibilities. So it wasn't that the work was hard -- it's just that it didn't produce much in the way of cash. Kids who have special skills or who have been around a while can get better paying jobs, where of course they are expected to be more productive.</p>
<p>Sorry, but there is no way to know what your package will be. The averages published by the college are simply averages ... there is no way to know what will happen in your personal situation. You are going to have to get the toll-free number for the school, pick up the phone, and call the financial aid office. They will not be able to give you a "for sure" idea, either, but they can give you a better idea than we can.</p>
<p>Before you call, educate yourself on loans. Do a google search & find out just what subsidized & unsubsidized student loans entail. Also check out PLUS loans ... your parents can borrow PLUS loans to make up any gap you have, if they want (they can borrow to meet their EFC, too, if they need to). If you know what the financial aid officer is talking about, you will be able to ask questions while you are on the phone with him/her.</p>
<p>Go to salliemae.com. It has GREAT info about loans!! Look at student loan types, both federal and private.</p>