I got into school all the way across the country, and that is where I’ve decided I want to go (some of my family lives out there). Here’s the deal:
I only have one parent because my other one passed away, and he has a girlfriend who will eventually be my step mom. My dad is one of those people who never asks for help, so we’re pretty much financially unstable (like, to the point that he cashes MY paychecks and takes the money without telling me…) I work my butt off because I do horse riding competitively, and my funds go towards that.
However, I’m in a tough spot right now.
I feel like all of my friends and people I know have college figured out financially.
I haven’t even filed my FAFSA yet, and the deposit to enroll (and go to orientation, for goodness sakes) is $300 plus airfare to get to orientation and that isn’t paid either.
I’m screwed, pretty much. I have NO clue what to do.
I’m so behind on everything. I’m nearly 18 and I don’t have license, a bank account, the ability to have my OWN money, and no I’m in college debt before even getting there.
I’m having a mental breakdown and I have no idea what to do. It’s so unfair.
I was so excited to go to this school and now I’m not even sure it’s the right choice for me.
@intparent I can apply to in state after I’ve worked a sufficient amount and because my aunts and uncles live full time out there. Basically the school wants me to prove that I’m there not just for school and then to bail.
I did apply to a lot of schools, I think 12 in total, and I got in to every one I applied to, so I do have options if I decide not to go to ASU. I’m just not really sure what to do.
It does not matter where aunts and uncles live. And if you move to go to school, you can’t just say you are a resident once you do that. If you moved and worked a year before applying, THEN you could probably get in state. But move for school this fall and you will not. So you need to assume it would be $35K/year the whole time. States intentionally make it difficult to do what you want to do.
Did you get into any instate options in your current state?
@intparent yes I see what you’re saying, I know that I won’t have in state for the first year, but I plan on getting it eventually. My step sister did this when she went to UT, so I know it’s possible. I plan to work for it.
I didn’t apply in state because I dread staying here, even if it’s going to save me money. I want to branch out. And yes people are going to say that’s dumb because I’m losing money, but if I don’t leave now then I probably won’t anytime soon, and I really want to.
Texas has different rules on this. Every state has their own. You really won’t be able to switch in AZ while you are in college.
You can move anywhere you want to after college. But it sounds like you have no money lined up, not even your federal loans of $5,500/year if your dad has not done FAFSA. You said you don’t even have the deposit money, let alone $35K. I don’t see how you can attend that college, and it doesn’t sound like you applied to an affordable safety.
If you haven’t done FAFSA, you don’t know how much financial aid you are being offered or might be eligible for. It might make sense to take a gap year and get this figured out. You can also work during that time to save up some money.
I know this doesn’t always apply, but there are good ROTC scholarships out there for kids willing to serve in the military after college.
You could also consider doing military first. Its a great way to save money and then go to school with GI Bill funds after a few years.
File the FAFSA. Call the financial aid office and tell them your situation - you may get some good intel on what your chances are to get FA at this late date by talking to a real person. It’s time to take control of this situation NOW, as it seems your parent will not do it. You will feel much better after you take action, even if it is hard to do.
Thanks for the advice. I filed my FAFSA, paid the deposit and have officially committed to ASU (which is not at all my safety school - it was my dream school for a long time now…so)
My father is contributing none as we had to use my savings to pay for my moms treatments…
and yes, I did commit with not a full layout of every check and dollar that I’m gonna have to pay, but it’s my dream school. This is what I want and over the past few days I’ve been figuring out scholarships, grants, etc. and making a plan as to how much I can spend and all that. My FAFSA EFC is 0 so I’ll get federal grants within my financial aid package. Worst comes to worst I’ll transfer, but this is what I want and everything I’ve wanted in the past few years I’ve gone for and this isn’t any different. Thanks for all the advice! I know this isn’t the wisest choice but it’s the one I’m pursuing right now, so that’s all I need in the advice department right now.
Please understand that “this is what I want” won’t work.
You will get 6K in grants and 5.5k in loans. That’s it.
That’s not “a full layout of every check and dollar” - we’re trying to help.
We’re not giving you advice - we’re telling you that you won’t be at ASU in the Fall
in current circumstances.
The only way for your step-sister to do that without committing fraud would have been to be an independent student. For that to happen, she has to be a military veteran, 24, or married. If she didn’t meet those criteria, she would need to prove that she either owns a house and/or has gainful employment in Texas for a year. Keep in mind that was Texas. AZ residency laws are not as nice.
If you’re 18, going to an OOS school with the expectation of paying in-state tuition, it won’t happen…unless you’re planning to commit fraud. That’s grounds for academic dismissal and potential jail time, dude. It’s also crippling your future, because there’s only so much student loan money you can take out for a bachelors degree. If you transfer back to an affordable school, you probably won’t be able to get the loans to finish your degree. You’re going to lose credits and have to retake classes, which is going to cost even more. You’re not doing anything except hurt yourself going to AZ.
