I Got Screwed!

<p>oooo...you're probably right... i was just reading (and cringing at) prices for the in-staters</p>

<p>I hear ya, for instate students the tuition is quite high, but still not as much as some private schools and for a public U, PSU is a top choice. We live in NY, and my daughter told me she would rather flip burgers at Mcdonalds than go to a SUNY school. Luckily she gets instate rates for PSU becuase her dad lives in PA. She is deciding between PSU and a few other schools. Whichever way you look at it, I end up in debt, but of course there are worse things to end up in debt for. Good luck!</p>

<p>From what I understand, the high price isn't really Penn State's fault. The blame should be placed on the residents, voters and politicians of PA, who have decided that lowering taxes and devoting the state's money to other branches of government (such as the wonderful PennDOT) are more important than making college education much more affordable. Without getting too political, it's just obvious that the price will continue to rise because the state legislature slashes the public universities' budgets each year. The cost that Penn State has to pay to run such a university has remained constant or increased over recent years (intuitively), while the help they get from the state has steadily decreased for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>That all said, there are other possible programs to help students out. Sometimes the individual colleges of PSU have scholarships available, and at least in my major, the department has access to many more -- mainly for your junior and senior years.</p>

<p>Personally, I have $8300 to make up for the first year alone. I have already sent in a few scholarship applications (to non-PSU-related organizations) and plan on applying for a few more...but it appears that I may have to settle for a loan of at least $8300 each year for the next four years. Here we go...</p>

<p>
[quote]
I know someone witha 92,000 EFC that got more aid than my friend at 14000.

[/quote]

That's absolutely insane. Does this kid's parents donate to PSU every year or something? Is he Derrick Williams or something?</p>

<p>I highly doubt that. I and a few of my friends have efc's ranging from 90000-99999, and no one got anything as was expected. The only reason we filled them out was to see if MAYBE we could get a scholarship.</p>

<p>There is no way!!! Our EFC is 32,000 & not only didn't we get anything from Penn State, we didn't get anything from schools that cost 40,000 and more.</p>

<p>My dad just got a new job and he's making over 100k. Im really nervous to see how much of the aid that i already have will be lost. What REALLY <strong><em>ES ME OFF is that my dad doesnt pay for *</em></strong>.I support myself. But for "financial aid purposes,im considered dependent on my dad for school fees." Penn State really sucks.Im getting the he ll out of here very soon.</p>

<p>Well I dont mean to burst everyone's bubble, but my financial aid packet was about $16,000 and my EFC was 1373. I guess I got all of this money because I live in a single mother home and my mother doesnt make that much money. With only 4000 to pay off, Penn State was the perfect place to go. Sorry if I made anyone upset.</p>

<p>Congrats capitalq17! Good for you. I guess they can't screw everyone.</p>

<p>lol capital I live in a single mother household too.....guess they looked at you when they were in a good mood ;)</p>

<p>Yeah but how is the 16000 broken down? Loans and work study for most, or scholarships and grants?</p>

<p>If your efc is 32000 you would not be very likely to get anything, since at most out of state is around 30000 total.</p>

<p>i hate it when people say goodbye ______(specific college) because of the financial aid report but.....</p>

<p>I am here to say GOODBYE PENN STATE</p>

<p>I got like 7200 in scholarships and grants(not mad) and ONLY 2500 some in loans. My EFC is below 1400. They want me to pay 15x my EFC. 15x!!!! You have got to be joking. I know its not their fault i am poor but I am. I got into smeal and the sapphire program and was really excited. I thought the sapphire program was one of the best organized programs I have seen. 15xs!?!?! How do they expect anyone to pay 15 times their EFC? Is that possible? This is quite is quite humorous.</p>

<p>If you are poor and out of state don't apply to PSU unless you are seriously in contention of a big scholarship. I spent 1/28th of my EFC on the application alone. I was going to visit. Why should I even waste my time or money?</p>

<p>Well I got 4500 in scholarships. 3800 in pheaa. 2700 in pell grants. 2625 in loans. 2600 in work study. I have 3 scholarships also worth 1000 each. I'm one of the lucky ones and now I'm torn between Drew University and Penn State Main.</p>

<p>15 times.</p>

<p>yeah...15x...that sucks!!!</p>