I have a full ride, but...

Parent Cafe
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<p>...I have to pay for textbooks, initial deposit, transportation (to and from), and incidentals. Unfortunately, this is not money that my family currently has. I am extraordinarily glad to have this opportunity, I just need some help to get the rest of the way.</p>

<p>The fact that my school is not a Title IV institution lends an additional element to this situation. Without Title IV status I do not qualify for any Title IV educational loans (Stafford, Federal Direct, etc...) or grants (Pell, etc...). So, I have to find a private loan to cover these expenses.</p>

<p>If any of the knowledgeable parents on this forum could offer me advice on how to find acceptable private loans I would be truly grateful.</p>

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<p>Could you get a loan initially (or advance from family) and pay it off with a summer job? Could you explain the situation to your U & see if they have any suggestions? Summer and part-time school jobs should be able to help provide these funds. Good luck & congrats?</p>

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<p>What school doesn’t have access to Federal loans?</p>

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<p>^
Perhaps an unaccredited Christian one?</p>

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<p>I’m looking into getting a private loan right now and the whole process seems to be rather hostile. Especially given that nearly every link that I find wants me to sign a dotted line or fill out the FAFSA…</p>

<p>I wish that my family had money they could advance.</p>

<p>I’ve contacted my school about this and they have offered some suggestions. I want to do more research however.</p>

<p>Summer and part-time jobs are out of the question due to the nature of the school.</p>

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<p>Yeah. I had thought that, too.</p>

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<p>No, my school is accredited.</p>

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<p>Not accepting Federal funds for religious/political reasons?</p>

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<p>Hillsdale college in Michigan I think does not take any federal money. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.</p>

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<p>Neither of those come into play. My understanding is that it’s a rather simple cost-benefit analysis, actually.</p>

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<p>Why would this be a problem? The FAFSA is free and if it’s going to help you move forward with the goal of obtaining funds…the fill it out.</p>

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<p>I think hillsdale does not accept federal funds for political reasons.</p>

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<p>Because the FAFSA is only for institutions qualified as Title IV. I could fill out the FAFSA for another school, but as I am not attending another school that would seem rather pointless, right?</p>

<p>The EFC calculations we went through when I was considering schools pretty consistently put us in the 2k - 3k range. So, I would definitely be eligible if that was an option,</p>

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<p>Have you tried calling up your school’s financial aid office to ask if they have suggestions? You are not their first student to need a loan.</p>

<p>What about a job? How much money are we talking about here? Maybe you could just earn it over the summer and during the school year.</p>

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<p>OP…you might want to post your query in the financial aid section of this forum.</p>

<p>I have heard of schools that do not deal with Stafford loans, but I have not heard of one that doesn’t award the Pell Grant. Perhaps someone on the financial aid forum can guide you in terms of where to go next.</p>

<p>Does your state have any financial aid for low income students (are you a low income student?)?</p>

<p>You mention transportation…is this across the country for you…or a car ride away? There’s a huge difference in cost. How much IS your initial deposit? This is something you would have needed to pay at any college to secure your spot.</p>

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<p>I don’t understand this. Can you clarify why that would be a problem? Certainly that is the first thing I thought of when I read your post – my D works in the summer, and part time while on campus, and earns enough each year to cover those expenses. Seems crazy to take out a loan… if you are getting zero work experience of any kind while in college, how would you compete in the job market when you get out with all the kids who are working and doing internships?</p>

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<p>I already did…I waited a few days. I bumped it. Nothing.</p>

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<p>A school has to go through a rather onerous process in order to be designated a Title IV institution. If the school does not go through that process, then they will not have a FAFSA pin. Without a pin I cannot receive a Pell Grant or a Stafford Loan because my school cannot receive these things either.</p>

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<p>Have NEVER heard of a school which makes it IMPOSSIBLE to have a part-time or summer job. If that is the case, their FAid office should have others with a situation similar to yours & should be able to help you. Good luck!</p>

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<p>…we’re fast approaching the point where any illusion of anonymity that I have will evaporate. I can explain that I will be able to have a part-time job next summer, and the summer after that, just not this summer.</p>

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<p>My state does offer such aid, but again only to qualified institutions, Title IV institutions.</p>

<p>Yes, it is pretty much as far away as I can get from my home state while still remaining in the continental US. The deposits that I have to pay total about $800, and then I have to pay for the approx. $300 in textbooks for the first term.</p>

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<p>Agree with intparent; you should try to make at least $2000 at a summer job to pay for those expenses. It won’t be super easy-- but a distinct possibility. This is the amount we are telling my d she must save from her paychecks this summer to be used toward books and personal expenses.</p>