I’m looking to start college this upcoming Spring semester 2018. To put it simply, my parents downright refuse to pay or even help to contribute or cosign a private loan for me for because they think I’m an idiot and I can’t handle college, which is not the case. My father makes an income over $600K annually, and since I’m under 24 years old, there is no way I am eligible for any form of federal financial aid. I make less than $9/hr, and I can’t find a job that will pay higher by the time I start college this Spring. When I graduated high school in June 2016, I was experiencing some major medical issues and ended up performing badly my last semester of high school (I ended with a D in both Physics and English). I had several struggles at the start of high school and earned a B- average freshman and sophomore year of high school, though during my Junior and first semester Senior year, I obtained very respectable grades (A-/B+ Honors/AP average). Although, I don’t believe my respectable 27 ACT composite will quite help me get the merit aid I need to pay for college. I live in Pennsylvania in which the public universities are the most expensive in the country ($18,000/year tuition and $4,000 + $2,000/semester room and board at Penn State, Pitt, and Temple). I would like to study Engineering and I don’t think I’m willing to settle for any other area of study, so the small Liberal Arts colleges that actually might financially help support me in college probably aren’t an option. Does anybody have any recommendations to help someone pay for college who does not have familial help, can’t get federal aid, isn’t academically well off enough for large scholarships, can’t find a cosigner for loans, and who’s in-state colleges are literally ghee most expensive in the country? I have a net worth of only $4,000 and I’ll be worth less than $5,000 by the start of Spring semester 2018.
It sounds like your only option is to attend a local community college. If you can go there and do well, perhaps your parents would be more inclined to help you pay for college.
You are eligible for direct student loans in your name, but those are very limited. You need one of your parents to complete the FAFSA.
Otherwise, you need to work with your parents. What do they want you to do? Is there a community college that they’d agree to so that you can show them you are serious about college? Take your basics at that community college and then transfer. Otherwise you do need to wait until you are 24, get a job where the employer will pay (Starbucks will pay for online classes from ASU, and I know a kid who is really enjoying them), join the military. You are right that your stats just aren’t going to get enough grant or scholarship money to finance Penn State or Temple.
Our oldest went to community college. She lived at home, worked, and went to school full time. She had a very good experience, and was able to transfer to our public flagship.
Perhaps your parents will change their mind about contributing towards college when they see signs that you are progressing and managing your life.
You may want to consider seeking out the help of a skilled, qualified therapist who can not only help you sort through your options, but help you communicate with your parents.
There are many paths to a satisfying life.
Unfortunately you can’t force your parents to pay. One or two courses at a time at community college while working, then switch to full time college at age 24 seems like your only option.
I wouldn’t attempt an engineering degree through Starbucks/ASU. Engineering should be taught hands-on and in teams, not online.
I agree with everyone here. Go to a community college, get good grades, prove that you are not an idiot, then transfer with your parents help after that.
I feel like I agree with your parents. If they just pay for your expensive college, they will not be doing you a favor in the long run.
Pitt and Penn State main won’t be affordable, engineering tuition is over $20,000 there, and you won’t get merit.
I agree with others, either attend a Pitt or PSU branch you can commute to or a community college. Then save up money for the last two years.
One LAC I know has engineering, Messiah, but even if you get merit it will cost too much most likely.
I would attend a CC to get the math and science foundation classes you need. If you do well your parents might change their mind. Work with your advisor to make sure the classes will transfer.
Can you talk to your parents and see if they’d be willing to pay for college if you proved yourself by performing well at your local community college? Do you have a community college within commuting distance and would they let you live at home while attending? I can understand a parent not being willing to shell out the huge cost of college for a student they don’t think will take advantage of the opportunity and succeed - if that’s what’s going on here, you may just need to prove yourself before they’re willing. If they’re not willing to help at all, then I think you can knock out some requirements at a CC in the short term, but you’ll need to wait until you’re 24 and can qualify for some financial aid to finish. You won’t be the only person on that track.
Beth’s Mom nailed it perfectly
Also look into CLEP testing That could earn you college credit and show them you can do college level work
What exactly is your parents plan for your future and your life? Moving to a homeless shelter if you can’t support yourself?
Why not a sit down- with a neutral party if you need one- a trusted Aunt or Uncle, your pastor, family friend, to discuss your future? Have they thought through the consequences of not helping to pay for college, i…e you just can’t afford a college education on your own?
There is nothing wrong with starting at community college- but you still need a place to sleep if they don’t plan to have you living at home next year.
Starting at a community college, as others have suggested, seems like your best option. If your parents refuse to fund any part of your college even if you prove yourself at a CC, then you might consider a longer term plan to get your engineering degree. Many community colleges offer associates degrees that can help you get a better paying job that could help you save more to finish your bachelor’s degree later. So don’t just look at the CC as a way to get your gen ed requirements done; look at the programs that can bump up your earnings in case you are fully on your own for your education. The cc in my area has associates degrees for lab technician, engineering technology, construction supervision, and other technical areas related to engineering. The advisors at the community college will be able to help you if you need to have that stepping stone of higher earnings to pay for your engineering degree.