Responsible for paying full tuition

Paying for College
1

<p>So basically my parents are refusing to pay my college tuition. A few months back I did not anticipate this so I didn't file the FAFSA. Plus, my parents are very well off and I didn't expect to receive any money anyway.</p>

<p>My expected costs for freshman year at Michigan State will be around 10,000. I have a couple of scholarships that will cover part of it, and am in the process of applying for more, but I doubt I'll receive enough to cover tuition.</p>

<p>I can't file the FAFSA as an independent because by law I don't qualify. I've spoken to my parents but they refuse to pay a cent, so there is no possibility of any coverage from them. I'm not entirely sure about loans, or if I'll be eligible to receive one.</p>

<p>Are there any other options for me? And is there any possibility of receiving a loan?</p>

2

<p>Will they at least provide their info so you can file FAFSA? You should be eligible for an unsubsidized Stafford loan of $3500 even without need but you have to file FAFSA.</p>

3

<p>I would talk with the financial aid office at Michigan State and explain your problem. They should know a way around it. Obviously there is work-study…any other relatives out there who might gurantee a loan for you or parents of your friends.</p>

4

<p>but WS also needs FAFSA to be filed and for there to be ‘need’</p>

<p>Explain to your parents that even if they are not going to contribute you have to file FAFSA with their information to qualify for any aid - even loans.</p>

5

<p>Talking with Michigan State won’t help. A parent’s refusal to pay is not grounds to find “need.” Otherwise, every parent would refuse.</p>

<p>Need, and financial aid, is determined by parents’ ABILITY to pay, not desire to pay.</p>

6

<p>While Chedva and swimcatsmom are correct, you have nothing to lose by talking with the financial aid department about your situation. Some schools offer non-need work-study, so that might be a possibility. Some schools offer scholarship money for students who are not supported by their parents but can’t officially demonstrate need. Some schools may be able to get the FAFSA filled when parents aren’t very cooperative – allowing the student to get limited Stafford loans each year.</p>

<p>It isn’t going to be easy – but if your costs are low, as you quoted ($10,000) then I think you can do this.</p>