What should I do? Where to apply? Should I even try? (DACA, international student)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>bullet points are probably the quickest way to skim my situation</p>

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<p>I'm really open to anything about right now. Out of state tuition costs are horrendous and the local CC isn't that appealing with international tuition. I applied to 4 fairly local universities this year (2 pub, 2 priv) and actually found that the merit aid from the private unis caused about the same tuition as OOS public rates. But, still out of the realm of affordability. The CC might be affordable, but it doesn't feel right overpaying for a CC.. especially since it's questionable after 2 years.</p>

<p>CC is about $10k yr, Private is about $20-30k (merit), public is about $25-30k</p>

<p>I applied to local colleges this year because I thought that the savings from commuting would be cheaper than living on campus somewhere else ($10k~). But, maybe there is some college that would take me in and offer some generous merit/financial aid?</p>

<p>Anyone have any ideas?
...anyone?</p>

<p>I'm leaning towards not going to college at all, but I guess next year it wouldn't hurt my chances to give a couple colleges a try with merit & need-based financial aid.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>how will DACA affect your status?</p>

<p>You should apply to Berea college. it’s dedicated to being affordable for high-achieving, low-income student. All students who are admitted received a full tuition scholarship thanks to the generosity of alumni and donors.</p>

3

<p>Berea says April 30 deadline, go read about them and apply. The priority deadlines are long past and they might be full. You might shoot admissions an email.</p>

<p>How much can your parent pay each year if the income is so low? Can they pay room & board if you get free tuition?</p>

4

<p>I was suggesting Berea for Fall 2015, not 2014 - I assume the application deadline was long past.</p>

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<p>Me too but I was curious so I looked it up. </p>

6

<p>There is absolutely no path to legalization (green card/citizenship) with my DACA status. It’s basically like being here on a renewable visa; perks are that I get work authorization, an SSN, and can’t get deported. It was really only designed as a quick fix until (or if) the DREAM act passes.</p>

<p>My family does have a very low income, but we live pretty securely (although very very frugally!). We’re only “poor” compared to the rest of the US, but I don’t feel too disadvantaged by income.
I spoke to each my parents (divorced) and I would assume they would have somewhere between $10-15K to pay each year. Private loans wouldn’t be an issue beyond that (great credit, homeowners, consistent income), but since they’re not student loans, interest would have to be paid during school. Obviously not optimal, but possible if the right school came along and there were was likely employment after graduation.</p>

<p>I didn’t know about Berea! Looks very interesting, I wasn’t aware of colleges like that. I’ll look into it!
Thanks!!</p>