Special circumstances... too young to take out loans but mom can't co-sign?

Paying for College
21

<p>Nova…
Is there another Illinois public that would be a better choice for her - moneywise?</p>

22

<p>All the Illinois publics give very little merit aid. There is not enough money. If she was to try one of the less prestigious schools, like EIU or WIU, she’ll have a better chance of a scholarships.</p>

23

<p>UIC is actually a very very cheap school for Chicago residents…</p>

24

<p>And I would not be happy going to UIC, EIU, or WIU. I would rather get less aid at Madison (which I got into) and be happy than go to any Illinois public school and be miserable. I wouldn’t care if the tuition were free, I wouldn’t be happy going to school in the middle of a cornfield. I’m okay with UIC but I have seen enough of Chicago for one lifetime and I’d prefer to get away. Plus, I’m going into film so it’s not a good idea to go anywhere that isn’t close to a major media market (Chicago, LA, NYC, Philly, Atlanta…).</p>

25

<p>:)</p>

<p>I think what people were concerned with is what you’d do if your FA packages are largely inadequate.</p>

<p>I would rather get less aid at Madison (which I got into) and be happy</p>

<p>Do you mean UW-Madison? If so, UW-Madison isn’t going to give you any aid. OOS publics don’t give aid to OOS students. UW-Madison has a COA of $35k per year. If your mom gives you $5k and you borrow a Stafford loan of $5500, how will you pay the other $25k per year?</p>

<p>I understand that you want to get into film, but you’re not applying to the schools that would give you aid and that have film. </p>

<p>See if it’s too late to apply to LMU. It has a film school, it gives good aid and merit, and if you’re a URM, they’ll want you.</p>

26

<p>Base tuition and fees at UIC per semester for those who entered Fall 2009 is $6017. It’ll probably be closer to $6600 for next year.</p>

27

<p>*UIC is actually a very very cheap school for Chicago residents… *</p>

<p>Would you live on campus or commute?</p>

<p>If you had to live on campus, it’s really not that cheap. However, if you only had to pay for tuition, fees, and books, you’ll probably have to pay about $7500. Is that ok?</p>