What Are My Options?

<p>First and foremost - let me say that my primary concern is not debt.</p>

<p>So, I was accepted as a transfer student. With a 0 EFC, I was given an 8k grant, 5.5k in pell, and another 5k in government loans. Total cost of admission is roughly 51k. I only have two years left, so I had planned on getting a private loan to cover the gap and pay1-2k out of pocket. </p>

<p>I hadn't considered this variable. I graduated early, so I'm a underage student. My parent cannot get a PLUS loan because of credit issues, and also cannot serve as a cosigner. From what I understand, this means I cannot get a private loan. </p>

<p>I was told by the office that there isn't any money left (for appeals, parent lost their job), and I've already made my deposit ($600 down the drain...).
Is there ANYTHING I can do? Or am I just going to have to sit it out at my state university for the next two years? :(</p>

<p>Even if you weren’t underage, you still would need a co-signer. Sounds like you’ll need to stay at your state school. </p>

<p>It sounds like you’re at Rutgers and you’d be transferring to American U. Is that right?</p>

<p>Wow… this is… just, absolutely devastating. </p>

<p>AU did just let me know I’ll be eligible for 4k extra because of the denial, but that’s not even close to what I need. </p>

<p>And no, I applied to Rutgers, and was admitted on a condition that I kept up my grades, so I haven’t gotten my package yet. I guess that is my next option.</p>

<p>I’m currently at a commuter, not even close to ranked state school.</p>

<p>Edit: do you think I could get my deposit back? Or is that just a longshot?</p>

<p>You could try to get your deposit back. Is some of it for housing? If so, some schools will return that.</p>

<p>I am so sorry that things aren’t working out for you. even though you say you are not concerned about debt, it might not even be an option since you say your parents can’t take PLUS or cosign for a private loan (and presumably for any other form of private loan like a HELOC or something). the only thing I can think of is a long shot – if your school offers any institutional loans. However, my concern here is that you won’t qualify for the same reasons as before.</p>

<p>Hopefully your package at Rutgers will be better. are you in-state for it?</p>

<p>

COA is $51K and you were given $13.5K in grants leaving $37.5K/year to fund for at least two years.

The extra $4K is more of loans. I have to believe you have gone temporarily insane, because if that’s not the case you are just acting inane.</p>

<p>Your best option is going back to your commuter or state U.</p>

<p>there’s no need to be that harsh. the OP doesn’t sound insane, just devastated and grasping at straws. he or she seems to understand that it really isn’t doable and is just seeking confirmation that there really is no other hope.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, there is no viable option for AU in this case. It does s**k, but that is the way it is. I know you are disappointed, but you are far better off not having a mountain of debt from your undergraduate schooling.</p>

<p>If your parents can get someone to co sign for them for the PLUS or for you for private loans, you can go that route. But bear in mind you are borrowing about $75K without counting what you already owe. That is a staggering amount of debt for anyone. With parents who are already in trouble financially, that is not a wise thing to do. </p>

<p>Where do you think the money should come from? AU has given you what they are willing to give. You have maxed out the PELL and Staffords. Unless AU wants to give you more financial aid, I don’t see anywhere else you can get free money. As for loans, neither you nor your parents are good credit risks, and it isn’t your age that is the issue. Few ug students are; your being a year younger than the norm has no bearing on this. If you know someone who is willing to entrust you with the loan and give you the money, that is a route to pursue. But otherwise, that is it.</p>

<p>Co-signing for anybody these days is just so risky!
It shows up on your credit report until it is paid off. I don’t think anybody wants to take that chance these days, just to help somebody out.</p>