Feeling guilty my parents have to pay for my college

<p>I'm transferring colleges to University at Buffalo and living in offcampus housing. I'm doing the occupational therapy BS/MS program which is a 5 year program.</p>

<p>I feel really guilty for making my parents pay for college. My old college was a commuter school so I would commute to get to school but this time it's more expensive. My parents are paying for me, but I feel REALLY bad. We don't get a lot of financial aid because we're middle class (this is why the middle class is dying) so we actually have to pay for tuition while everyone I know who goes to UB only pays a small amount because their fin aid covers it. -_-</p>

<p>I feel really guilty.. although my parents say not to worry about it because I can always pay them back when I get a job. I definitely know I will but what if I don't pass my classes or get through the program or even get accepted into the program. What if I don't succeed? Too many what if scenarios in my head. </p>

<p>I feel bad that my parents have to give so much money from their savings just to put me through college (not to mention, having to put my sister through college as well). They have a lot more important stuff to think about like retirement and social security. If they have to pay so much for my college, then they won't have anything left for them for retirement.</p>

<p>I'm considering not transferring and just staying in my current school so I don't have to put my parents through that. But honestly I have no idea what to major in then because my current school doesn't offer many majors.</p>

<p>You could go to school part time and work full time to pay for it yourself. </p>

<p>Your parents are giving you a wonderful gift. If you really don’t like it, do something about it. I’m not sure what you’re looking for.</p>

<p>They are grown adults, you are still a young student. If they feel comfortable footing the bill for you to go to college, be happy they have confidence in you. They might already have money set aside for retirement that you don’t know about. Perhaps they have already determined what they can afford each year, and UB is within their reach. Maybe the house is almost paid off, and that money is available. If you are concerned about them spending more than they can afford, you need to talk to them, not us here. </p>

<p>Many times when middle class parents say they can’t afford the EFC that is calculated for them (assuming full need is met), it isn’t so much that they can’t afford it, but that they don’t want to make any sacrifices - and the things they’re not willing to sacrifice may be luxuries. You might benefit as much from a discussion about finances as a student whose parents aren’t willing to pay. You might be one of the lucky few whose parents truly have planned ahead, and have made smaller sacrifices all along, to put them in position to afford college. That’s what we did, and we’re not nearly as concerned about paying as other families with the same income.</p>

<p>I’ve been talking about this with my parents…my mom thinks I should stay to save money and my dad thinks I should go. When I tell them I’m worried about the costs, my dad tells me I don’t need to worry about the money and my mom thinks that if I’m so worried I should just stay here since it’s cheaper. :(</p>

<p>I thought maybe they saved up for a while but they haven’t. So that’s why I feel so guilty.</p>

<p>

Study hard at UB and finish the program on time.
Your parents don’t have to save for retirement because you’re their retirement.</p>

<p>Which one handles the money is your family? It sounds like mom isn’t worried about the money - she’s worried about you, and your mental health.</p>

<p>My dad is the money maker in the family but usually it’s my mom who handles the finances in the family. My dad has always been more of an idealist which is why he would encourage me to go and my mom is the logical kind of person.</p>

<p>Idk if I should just stay in my current school so my parents don’t have to pay so much.</p>

<p>If you do well at UB and get your masters, it will be a great relief and reward for your parents. To get our children self sufficient is a major goal in our lives, believe me.</p>

<p>Also, I assure you that you are not one of very few paying full freight at UB. UB does not meet 100% of need for its students. A lot of full pays there—I was one, for our son. Also, a lot of kids on loans if you want to count that as aid. </p>

<p>You are going for a marketable major, and your parents are on board with this. Just do your best. Congratulations in getting accepted to that program, and work hard!</p>

<p>Well, is there an instate school closer to home that would be less expensive for you to attend? You could always do that, or work and go to school part time. Just remember the sacrifice your parents are making, and when they are older and need help, help them.</p>

<p>madeline93,</p>

<p>Are you truly interested in this career field? If so, thank your parents for this opportunity, accept their money, get the education, get a good job with that new degree, and start paying them back. </p>

<p>If you aren’t interested in this career field, take a leave of absence, get a job wherever you can find it, and start saving money for when you have a specific goal for your education.</p>