<p>I've been accepted to a few collegs and am looking at the financial aid numbers right now.</p>
<p>After grants and stafford loans are awarded though it looks like I'll still be short 5-15 thousand dollars for the year. (depending on what college I pick)</p>
<p>Is there anywhere I can go to apply for a Federal Student loan or anything that may cover these costs?</p>
<p>I'm not sure I'll be approved for a private student loan anywhere because I don't have established credit and will have a hard time finding a co-signer.</p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Since your FA package already has a Stafford loan in it, that IS your federal student loan.</p>
<p>Do your unsub and sub federal loans total $5500? IF so, that is the max you can borrow, unless you’re over 24 or your parents have been declined for a Plus loan.</p>
<p>*I’m not sure I’ll be approved for a private student loan anywhere because I don’t have established credit and will have a hard time finding a co-signer.
*</p>
<p>You’re going to have to go to the least expensive college and figure out how to cover that shortfall…either thru a summer job, economizing on the COA, or family help.</p>
<p>What is the breakdown of the Cost of Attendance at the cheapest school for you?</p>
<p>What is the breakdown of your FA package from that school?</p>
<p>Maybe we can find some way to cut that $5k shortfall down.</p>
<p>Also, you might be able to request more work-study.</p>
<p>It’s May 14th and you still haven’t made a decision? Have you been granted extensions? If not, I’d check to make sure those FA awards are still in play as many schools put a deadline on them too! When are you planning to make a decision?</p>
<p>Federal student loans are either Stafford (which you already have included), Perkins, or GradPlus (for grad students). You can ask your school if there are any Perkins loan funds available, but it’s unlikely as these are usually awarded first. Your parents may be able to take a Parent Plus loan if they can afford to make payments. The qualifications are pretty minimal - no bankruptcy or recent reports of delinquencies over 90 days. Your state Dept of Ed may also have loans available…check their website.</p>