<p>There is no tuition fairy. If your family has not been able to save and is unable to take out loans you will have to consider other options like community college, a less expensive school or taking time off to work and save. (Do you have any savings from summer jobs or work during the school year?) $5500 is the maximum Stafford Loan you can take as a freshman. A bank will not loan money to a student with no credit history, job or collateral.</p>