<p>I am specifically referring to State colleges in this case UCs (forget private they are even more expensive). Now my parents make over 80K a year which means that I won't be getting any financial aid whatsoever. Now how the hell am I supposed to pay the 20K per year fee? Loans will put you in huge debts and if I do get a job and just work part time I won't be able to even cover half of that and on top of that I will have to keep up my grades. Damn.</p>
<p>If your parents make over $80K a year, they are expected to come up with some of the money for your college just as they are expected to cover your expenses before you graduate from highschool. That is the way it works in this country. They should be able to scrape up maybe $5K of that cost each year, some of which they will be saving since you are no longer at home to add to those costs. They can then borrow $5K a year which they will 10 years to repay at very low rates, which comes to about $50 a month for each college year, $200 a month at its peak. You can earn $5 k at least if you work your tail off this summer and weekends and vacations. You are young and can pound some salt. You can probably make about $2k during the year. I don't thing $3-5K a year is a inordinant loan amount for you to take out.</p>
<p>Are your parents paying any portion of your costs for the community college?
Many states have direct transfer agreements and have slots for students in the junior class with AA certificates. This will save you a ton of money right there.
My brother joined the military to pay for his college. My daughter spent a year as a volunteer and plans to do the same after college graduation to earn education stipends to pay down loans.
It really just depends how much of a priority further education is for you and your family. In a country where many children don't even have health insurance or food to eat, I can't get real worked up about someone who isn't getting a write off on their college education. sorry.</p>
<p>Both of my parents died by my sophmore year in college. Since financial aid is based on your previous years income, my father's income (who passed less than a year after my mother) was still used for financial aid purposes. Guess what , i got a full-time job in the day time and paid my own tuition to college at night. By the time I went to graduate school, I worked at a large corporation with full tuition benefits, and let the company pay for my education (while taking a 5 year old to grad school with me).</p>
<p>The net-net is this, If you want it bad enough, you will find a way to make it happen.</p>
<p>thanks. I know it is possible but it sometimes gets frustrating when I see my other friends (who have better lifestyle than I do) get a free ride and financial aid just because their parents make less money.</p>
<p>Envying someone because their parents make less money? I don't think so. Generally those who make less money have to struggle with bigger issues than the tuition payments. Do you envy them their free lunches at school too?</p>
<p>Sybbie, your story is really inspirational. So many kids these days wail about what is unfair. My deepest respect for biting the bullet and ploughing on.</p>
<p>Jami</p>
<p>fei I see families with after tax income of half of your families, while their EFC is also half, there are some basic costs that need to be met. Basic housing, medical care, food, clothing etc. Think of how much easier a family would be able to meet the housing needs if they made $80,000 as opposed to $40,000.</p>