I didn’t know exactly where to post this because I thought it could fit in different places, but I decided to post it here.
So I recently had a huge fight with my mother, a falling-out. I am going to be kicked out of the house when I turn 18, which is a couple of weeks before college starts. She has also decided that she will not be helping me pay for college, so I will be doing that on my own. Here is my problem. I don’t have car, I won’t have a phone, and I won’t have a computer or laptop in the future. I have been applying for jobs, but now without transportation, I won’t be able to travel to them even if I get them. Also, my financial status will be different in the future compared to when I first filled out my FAFSA. I will be completely paying for college on my own, or trying to, whereas my FAFSA had originally said that my mother would be helping me pay for college, so I will not be receiving as much financial aids as I might need in the future. My college offered loans, but my mother and I agreed to decline them originally because she would help me, but now I need them. I am working on trying to get the loans back by contacting people at my college. I will also be missing my freshman orientation most likely because I do not have transportation. Does anyone have any advice for me? Are there any people that I should contact about my situation? And what should I do about finding a place to live? I will be homeless for a couple weeks before college starts.My mother is my only family in the US besides my brother. I have contacted him, but he has not responded yet. Thank you for any advice/responses.
I doubt that you’re going to be able to start at this college. Even if you got those loans back, that is only a few thousand dollars. What about the rest of the costs?
Are you sure that your mom is going to follow thru with her threats?
Hi, thank you for the reply. I am not sure how I will pay for the costs. I received around $9,000 in scholarship money from the school, but that is not nearly enough to pay the $17,500 left per year. I really hope that I will be able to work soon so I can at least try to pay the rest. Should I consider withdrawing and going to a community college at this point? And yes, I am sure. I am already packing my belongings.
Actually, your FAFSA will look the same in the future. If your mom is asking yountomoeave because the two of you don’t agree about something, that is different than if you are being abused and seek shelter at a homeless shelter.
Your mom’s info will still be required.
Where is your dad?
You will be able to get the $5500 Direct Loan, but not likely any additional money.
If your brother would let you live with him, maybe you could commute to a CC from his house. I would contact the school and tell them you are having some personal problems and could you defer your attendance for a year. Did this school give you the most money, is that where you deposited? Are there any other affordable schools? Any close to your brother? I would focus on the immediate need right now, finding a place to live and work. Then when your situation is more stable see about college.
Also maybe try to make amends with your mom. If she was willing to pay close to $20k for your college, she must care for you. Offer to work hard this summer and save money for college, help her out at home. All she has in family is you and your brother, is she estranged from him, you said you could not reach him?
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Hi, thank you for the reply. I am not sure how I will pay for the costs. I received around $9,000 in scholarship money from the school, but that is not nearly enough to pay the $17,500 left per year. I really hope that I will be able to work soon so I can at least try to pay the rest. Should I consider withdrawing and going to a community college at this point? And yes, I am sure. I am already packing my belongings.
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Yes, you need to withdraw.
the worst thing would be is for you to START at this school, not be able to pay the costs, then owe the school money. THEN you would be STUCK because you wouldn’t be able to then go to a CC while you still owe another school money.
It’s admirable that you’re trying to get a job, but I can assure you that you will not earn and take home enough money to pay for your living expenses and pay for college.
You’ll be lucky to earn enough for a CC and living expenses.
If you can live with your brother, then that would help.
What are you going to do about next year when you need to fill out FAFSA again? How will you do that w/o your mom’s income info?
Being kicked out will NOT change anything for FAFSA and FA. You will not become independent. You will still need your mom’s info.
Is your dad alive?
Actually, before you withdraw from your school, I think you need to make amends with your mom. Can you answer the PM I sent?
Why don’t you try to resolve things with your mother and obey house rules or whatever the problem is? You are not going to get any extra money because you moved out and you are still going to need your mother’s information for the FAFSA every year until you are 24. You are paying a high price for deciding to have a fight with your mother and not see what you can do to change things on your part. It seems very short sighted.
If you don’t resolve things with your mom, it will be next to impossible for you to get a degree before you’re 24. You won’t be independent for FA until AFTER then.
Maybe your brother can help resolve things.
It sounds like both you and mom are overly-emotional or hot-headed and maybe say things that are “over the top”. It then become easy to say things like, “I’m kicking you out,” and “I’m not paying for college,” and "Fine, I’ll move out and live my own life, " etc.