Making Ends Meet

Can your parents get a home equity loan?

Is there a way you can apply to outside scholarships?

I know many scholarships are currently active, so even if you are able to get something like $1500 for scholarship money, it takes a lot off of your shoulders.

@nakulshah58 outside scholarships will reduce financial need. And need based aid could be reduced.

The $4000 extra for students whose parents don’t get Plus loans would fill the gap. BUT the parent would need to be denied a PLus…and really…it’s not hard to be approved for a Plus Loan!

To the OP…your parent could take out only wht you NEED in Plus loans.

Can I use a Perkins Loan for the first year? I know they’re discontinued but I saw in one of my safeties an offer of $2,000 in Perkins loans on my aid package.

Like can I get one just for this year?

Perkins loans are up to the college. You have to ask. Probably not since you have a full FA package.

Your parents will probably get approved for the Plus loans (and if not, you will qualify to borrow a bit more. That, plus a job, should cover your gaps).

Once the parent plus loans come due, there is nothing to prevent YOU from making the payments to pay them off. You should land a pretty awesome job at graduation. Good luck and congrats.

You can work part time and work in the summer to cover $3,000.