<p>So I'm officially a new student in the fall of 2010 at Northwestern. Unfortunately, NU granted us no financial aid (we even appealed) and I'm stuck with taking a loan out for 50K because my family just can't afford their insanely high tuition. I was just wondering if there's anyway I could reduce these loans substantially, and if there's any tips current students can give me. I'm planning on graduation at least a quarter early to save me a good 15K. Are there any other things I could do to save money? Also, does anyone know if its hard to become an RA, because that could also save me a ton of money. I'm also planning on getting a job on campus (hopefully in a lab) to cover my personal expenses.</p>
<p>in regards to graduating early…you have to pay more money towards the courses that accelerate your graduation. so the only possible way to graduate early without taking extra courses is based on the extra ap credits you have. many ppl are able to graduate a quarter early because of that. also, becoming an RA is a pretty selective process, you will have to go through many interviews. if you’re really set on becoming one, it is possible if you show the motivation i suppose and that comes across in the interview.</p>
<p>Things DD has done that you might consider…discount textbooks-buying used- on half.com, working part-time, her junior year she moved off-campus-lower monthly than living on campus w/meal plan, signing up w/airline ff-and email alerts when discounted flight available…you may have already thought of these, but if not…I hope this helps. Neither our DD, nor my husband and me, have regretted the financial commitment to NU.</p>
<p>Shop around on Amazon for books–AP courses required me to buy college textbooks, and I snagged one for $30 that my school’s bookstore wanted me to purchase for $300. Yes, you read that correctly. I eventually purchased $900 worth of books for $300, thanks to Amazon.</p>
<p>Clip coupons like crazy, research sales, keep an eye on promotions. Start learning now what a good price is for food (and really any other item), and decide what things you’re willing to splurge on, if any. For example, I’ll buy any old decent loaf of wheat bread, but I am a stickler for quality in meat/seafood. </p>
<p>Go with your parents now–if you don’t already–and start noticing prices and comparing them. That way, when you get to Evanston, you’ll know what’s reasonable and what’s ridiculous, and you won’t get ripped off.</p>
<p>It’s rarely anything significant, and if you don’t specifically ask for it and show your student ID (WildCARD), you won’t get a discount. But sometimes it’s handy, and it’s a way of saving a few bucks here and there, especially on off-campus dining.</p>
<p>NW is generous with financial aid. If your family did not qualify for aid, they must have some money they can give you. When you leave them for college, there will be some recognized savings from feeding and sheltering you. </p>
<p>You need to find a job. Maybe double shift, tutor, as much work as possible now and through the summer. My kids made a lot during the summer by working their tails off. Then look for a job at NW.</p>
<p>College is usually a joint effort. Do you have any money saved? Birthday money, graduation money, award money, anything? Do you have stuff you can sell to come up with money? Also do your parents, have anything they can turn over to you to sell? In addition to current income from both you and your parents, any savings, you should also both be looking at loan possibilities. For you to borrow $50K each year is crazy, and I find it difficult that you find a lender that will do that. Your parents will at least have to cosign which really puts them on the hook.</p>
<p>It doesn’t necessarily “save” money, but there are ample funds for research. You have an Independent Study, you can get money. If you get an unpaid internship, you can apply for a stipend of, I think, $1500 or $2000. I have many friends who have gotten paid trips around the world to do research.</p>
<p>While I understand that saving money is important, it is also valuable to know where funding opportunities exist.</p>
<p>NU seriously didn’t give you any aid? And you filled out the FAFSA and everything? Because they promise to meet 100% of demonstrated need… idk, that just seems weird to me.</p>
<p>I don’t really have many tips other than what’s already been posted, but the fact that they didn’t give you ANY money is kind of awful. I’m sorry. :(</p>
<p>Oh no sorry I meant 50K total (so like 10-12 a year)- NOT each year, that would be terrible. We’re basically in that awkward area in the middle class where we don’t get a lot of financial aid (altho I did get like 10K/year from Washu), but my parents definitely can’t afford all of the tuition. I don’t really mind taking a loan, because I think its worth it.</p>