Family Budget: What could go wrong during the college years?

[cshell2]

@twoinanddone

A 5th year was not an option for DD, or at least a 5th year at her college. She knew that going in, that her merit scholarships were for 8 consecutive semesters, that her athletic scholarship was used up after 4 years of playing (there was a way to stretch that by red shirting, but that wasn’t happening). Some of her other aid was also ‘used up’ after 4 years/120 credits.

I plan to lay it out as “this is not an option”, but I can easily foresee things happening. Struggling with some classes that need to be retaken, switching majors, maybe an illness or injury. Certainly quite a few students don’t finish in 4.

We’re in the same boat with lots of scholarship/grant money making a couple out of state schools affordable…for 4 years. But would I really make him transfer to the local school and finish with a degree not in what he was going for if he needs 9 semesters instead of 8? I don’t know. That would be a tough one. Part of me is thinking going with the sure thing can easily handle 5 years and maybe even a study abroad semester option even if it’s not top choice.