<p>I found the school of my dreams. They offered me a very generous sum of money, but I'm still $11,000 in the hole. My parents cannot give anymore money on a $70,000 income, and I only make about $5,000 every year. I've applied for every scholarship out there and won't hear back until after the enrollment deposit is due. What do I need to do to ensure that I have money to go to this college?</p>
<p>I am trying to figure out if you are you $11K short on direct billable costs (tuition+room+board) after student loans. </p>
<p>Could you detail your package and the school’s tuition, room and board so we could advise you?</p>
<p>Clearly, if you cannot come up with the money, you cannot go. Perhaps take a gap year, earn some money and try it again, maybe looking for something more affordable. Can’t squeeze water out of stone. There’s no magic in money appearing. If the school won’t cough it up, you can’t come up with it and your parents won’t help, that’s it. You’ve borrowed what you could under you own via Staffords? If your parents cosign you can borrow more, but that goes on their credit and makes them just as liable as taking out a loan themselves which they can through PLUS with better terms.</p>
<p>You are almost there - sounds like you need only $6000 more. You’ll need at least that much to live whether or not you are in college. Maybe your parents can kick in what they will save when you leave home - I know with our son in college, our grocery bills are half what they use to be, plus utilities are less, and we save on car insurance because he doesn’t drive while he is away at college. You could also pick up a part-time job while at school. A 10 - 15 hour a week job should be doable even with a full load of courses.</p>
<p>As a last resort, you can ask the college if they offer direct loans. Try to avoid loans as long as you can, but worth considering if it makes the difference between attending and not attending school.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>