<p>Hi, I have a question about financial aid. I want to go to a Community College that I live near. The total cost for two years is $2,160.00. If I apply for FAFSA and decide to get the maximum loan amount of $6,625.00 will the check be sent to the school and then it pays off the $2,160.00 tuition fees and the remaining balance is given to me for books, transportation etc. Is this correct? I'm still confused about how the whole process works.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>bump anyone?</p>
<p>If you go to community college where the total cost for 2 years is 2160, does this mean the cost per year is 1080?</p>
<p>If yes, then your tuition will be 540 per term. If you are not eligible for any other type of FA except for a stafford loan, the maximum amount for freshmen year is 2625 (it doesn't necessarily mean the the school will have to give you this amount).</p>
<p>Worse case scenario, if they do give you the max stafford, they will deduct your tuition and fees off the top and then refund you the balance. </p>
<p>IF you are talking about the "other $4000" that would be considered if you had a substantial need and your parents were not eligible for a plus loan.</p>
<p>Hi, yes that is what I was talking about the $4,000. I was asking because I would need that money if possible. My mother is unemployed and on government assistance and cannot sign for PLUS loans due to bad credit. I will barely be turning 18 and the first one in my familys history to finish high school. Due to my mother is unemployed and I'm the first to finish high school and we are basically living off less that $7,000 a year, I assume I'm very needy and poor therefore I may have a chance of getting the maximum amount. Does anyone here think I may have a chance at the maximum amount with my circumstances?</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>You will probably be eligible for pell grants and work study in your FA package. </p>
<p>thanks to hsmomstef for providing this link (she admits it is 2 years old):</p>
<p>all other things being the same:</p>
<p>If you filled out the FAFSA and have a "0" EFC, and your school costs 1080, you would be eligible for a pell grant for
$1050. </p>
<p>So theoretially you would have about $30 out of pocket expense. </p>
<p>Even if you are going to community college, would you still be eligible for a Cal Grant? I am not familiar with California, which is why I am asking.</p>
<p>SO even should you get the loan for 2625, there most likely be a work study component to your FA package. The workstudy would be used by you to for misc. expenses associated with school. </p>
<p>I would not look into getting a $4000 additional loan because it is not a financially feasible idea especially when you will get enough aid to cover your cost of attendance (I do not think you would get it because the school may not see it as being financially necessary).</p>
<p>Here is my opinion. Don't take out extra loans. Borrow ONLY what you need to fund your education. It makes no sense to borrow as a college student in excess of what your costs will be. You can get a part time job to supplement your loans.</p>
<p>Ihavesix -- </p>
<p>you need to go to the community college RIGHT NOW and sit down and talk with them! They tend to specialize in lower-income students (since they get alot) and really know how to tweak the system.</p>
<p>first, fill out the FAFSA if you haven't done so already. With what you are saying, you should get an EFC of $0 back (unless you have substantial assets -- but with your mother's income level as non-existanct, fill the FAFSA saying you qualify to file the 1040EZ and it should exempt all assets).</p>
<p>now -- apply at the community college (if they charge an application fee, call and ask for a fee waiver). Then go in and ask tons of questions.</p>
<p>You should be eligible for a pell grant, possibly a california grant, and then there are other grants for those with the lowest EFC. </p>
<p>Ask for work-study, also -- and AVOID loans. they may be necessary later on, but for now -- you can do it without the loans. At worst, you work more and take another year to complete 2 years of community college.</p>
<p>also ask about the associates degree programs in your areas of interest and transfer possibilities. Also -- check into transfer scholarships. many community college pair up with 4 year universities and offer a scholarship at the 4 year college once you have completed certain requirements.</p>
<p>If you also happen to be an underrepresented minority or a first generation college student -- there are many more possibilities for grants and scholarships, even if your grades and test scores are not that great.</p>
<p>Do you research at the community college and come back to us with more questions -- you have taken the first step to getting that college degree! congrats!!</p>
<p>Thanks for your help, yes I'm the only one in my family that will have ever been to college. I'm very determined and excited to go at the same time. I think I may qualify for Cal Grant B which is $1,500 expense money due to I have 3.89GPA. I was also interested in the Work Study program does anyone know how it works?. But if possible I want to avoid working while in school due to I'm really bad with school work when I'm under pressure to work and go to school I get stressed really easily. But if I have to work and go to school I will do it because I know it will pay off.</p>
<p>Thanks Again,</p>
<p>PS. with the work study does the college get you a guaranteed job? or do I have look myself?</p>
<p>And yes you guys are right thats the last thing I want to do is owe lots of money.</p>
<p>And monday I will be applying at my credit union for a $1,000 scholarship.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>