Dad took a huge pay cut :(

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>My dad was informed yesterday that his company is having to do a lot of financial overhauling, which means that he and several other people may have to take a pay cut of up to 20% less. They're really struggling with the economy, as are a lot of other people, I imagine. He took the offer because he thinks they're lucky they haven't fired anyone yet.</p>

<p>The problem is now with financing college for me. I'm an international student who applied way back in early December without any financial aid, which means college will cost $200,000+ most likely. We checked with our bank and they said (back then) that we would be able to finance an education should I get accepted. Now it's not looking so likely.</p>

<p>My dad has suggested that, if I were to get accepted to a college that I really like, he may be able to afford my freshman year in full because of savings but he is unsure for subsequent years.</p>

<p>My question is, is it possible to reapply for financial aid for the sophomore year when an international student does not apply for FA the very first time?</p>

<p>My dad, my dad...</p>

<p>Take responsibility for yourself. This is an extraordinary opportunity for you to overcome some real adversity, show what you're made of, and decide if you are willing to make school work. Can you do it? Yes. Will it be the most difficult thing you've ever done? Almost certainly yes. </p>

<p>Go visit a community college. Ask around. Many students work two jobs, have kids, go to school full-time, and finance EVERYTHING on their own. They're the hardest working people in the world and wonderful resource for you.</p>

<p>Start getting job applications. You need a couple of jobs - quick.</p>

<p>I am already employed - I got a job at a grocery store one and a half months ago and plan on staying til the summer finishes. I'm asking because I have four younger siblings who need a college education too, so I can't be selfish and expect my dad to pay for me and not them.</p>

<p>I would definitely go to community college for the first two years. It will save so much money.</p>

<p>Although if you think a school will offer you a FANTASTIC aid package, like a full ride, I guess it wouldn't hurt to apply. And try for scholarships, of course.</p>

<p>Bluebubbles, different colleges will probably have different policies around the issue of internationals and applying for aid after the first year. The important thing is for you to get that information directly from the particular schools you're thinking of attending. I would wait until you get your acceptances, and then prior to making a decision get in touch with the financial aid offices of each college and ask that question directly. The answers you get may help you make your decision. Good luck! </p>

<p>And you sound like a great, thoughtful, hard-working student.</p>

<p>As an international, community colleges will not be that cheap for the OP.</p>

<p>I think few colleges will give an international aid if he did not get it freshmen year. The few need blind ones probably will, but that is a very small number of colleges. As 'rentof2 said, you need to check directly with all colleges. But you probably want to have less expensive backups in your own country.</p>

<p>Hey thanks, rentof2, really appreciate it haha...</p>

<p>Well, yes, I've got backups that I've already gotten into in the UK and Canada (half the price) so I'm set in those terms but I'd still like to try for the US.</p>

<p>I've looked around several websites from my colleges but I'm not getting anything. I'll try calling directly, but I don't know how that'll go.</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice</p>

<p>Generally speaking there is little or no financial aid for international students. If I were in your shoes I would go to school in the UK or Canada. Sorry for your situation.</p>