<p>Students are limited in loan possibilities. You can look at <a href=“Need-Based and Non-Need-Based Loans | Financial Aid”>http://www.finaid.cornell.edu/types-aid/loans/federal-and-university-loans</a>, and see what you can get. Basically, without your parents getting involved, you can only take out $5500 in loans freshman year, with a little more each subsequent year on your own without financial need.</p>
<p>Your parents can borrow from PLUS. One parent applies, and if rejected you can borrow $5K more in student loans. </p>
<p>But that’s it. You can borrow the money from your parents, note and all, if you feel you want to be responsible for loan repayment. But the schools, banks, lenders aren’t going to take your signature and promise on its own. Maybe your parents will. If you are so willing to borrow, so sure you can repay and your parents can pay it, just with difficult, why don’t you just sign a note to pay back THEIR loan? If you or the parent dies, the PLUS is forgiven. Generous repayment terms, but interest rate is not good. Maybe your parents have better loan options, as they cannot be that hard up if they do not qualify for aid and you say they are able to pay your education, that it puts a financial strain on the family. It does for most of us to pay for college.</p>
<p>Otherwise, you need to start looking for colleges with merit money or low sticker prices. Maybe go to a local state school and commute. </p>