So, what am i supposed to do?

[Acanthus]

The college is in the middle of nowhere, I cant get a job within walking distance. Furthermore i'm a 4.0gpa student with a double major and full load every semester... a job will almost certainly damage my GPA and my chances at getting into a top-notch grad school. Im about $3200 short and need to get a loan cosigned because it seems every lender out there gives me the finger. (very little credit)

Rent is $450 a month, i live with my gf who pays the rest of the bills, which come to about $200 a month. She works a full time job and a couple days a week at a clothing store on the side.

Im really, really pissed off at my parents right now, and I have no friggin idea how im going to keep a roof over my head, let alone continue going to school.

Im not whining about my misfortune, i know it comes across that way, but I was really wondering if you guys had any constructive advice on what i could do. The loan is to cover rent and 3 courses over the summer, as well as books, and about $300 in CC debt from books this semester and another couple hundred for next semesters books.

Edit: Just to be crystal clear, this is not a one-time problem, it will entail 4 summers worth of courses being taken to reduce my double major from 10 semesters down to 7.

 

[xSauronx]

appeal to close relatives?

 

[Mo0o]

It boggles the mind that some parents do this to their kids. So what is their reasoning on not cosigning on a loan for their son's education?

 

[Whisper]

My first piece of advice would be to speak with the school's financial aid department. Explain to them the situation, and see if they can offer any advice in terms of student-friendly loans. I was able to secure quite a few (more than was needed, actually) here at grad school, but I do know from first-hand experience that the process is a bit more frustrating as an undergrad.

Worst-case scenario, you may need to live at home and transfer to a closer school until you save up enough money to afford tuition at the college of your choice.

Also, any chance you could work at or near your girlfriend's company(ies) on a similar schedule, and bum a ride off of her?

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: xSauronx
appeal to close relatives?

The vast majority of my family is well below the poverty line. My parents however make about $120k/yr

(my mom married my stepdad after i had moved out)

The only person im close enough with that would be willing to help is my grandfather, who is retired.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
It boggles the mind that some parents do this to their kids. So what is their reasoning on not cosigning on a loan for their son's education?

They are refinancing the house soon and it will save them money.

 

[Whisper]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
It boggles the mind that some parents do this to their kids. So what is their reasoning on not cosigning on a loan for their son's education?

My mom has this same mentality. While she did agree to take out a loan for me my freshman year of undergrad, she hasn't co-signed anything since. Her mentality is simply that I should handle it on my own, and I love her for it.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Whisper
My first piece of advice would be to speak with the school's financial aid department. Explain to them the situation, and see if they can offer any advice in terms of student-friendly loans. I was able to secure quite a few (more than was needed, actually) here at grad school, but I do know from first-hand experience that the process is a bit more frustrating as an undergrad.

Worst-case scenario, you may need to live at home and transfer to a closer school until you save up enough money to afford tuition at the college of your choice.

Also, any chance you could work at or near your girlfriend's company(ies) on a similar schedule, and bum a ride off of her?

Her main job is full time positions only, and i thought about going to work at the clothing store, but it doesnt pay nearly well enough to cover my expenses, and the scheduling is erratic so we likely wouldnt be able to match up scheduling.

As for finaid, the school im attending currently doesnt have a whole lot in the way of grants and loans, their financial aid dept has been pretty unhelpful, ive been up there 3 times in 3 weeks. If I enter the honors program i qualify for a scholarship that gives me about $500/semester, and dramatically increases my workload. So im kind of leery about that.

 

[Whisper]

Also, how old are you? When speaking with the financial aid office, you might see about applying as an independent on your next FAFSA. They have some pretty strict rules against it, but you just might qualify.

 

[Whisper]

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Whisper
My first piece of advice would be to speak with the school's financial aid department. Explain to them the situation, and see if they can offer any advice in terms of student-friendly loans. I was able to secure quite a few (more than was needed, actually) here at grad school, but I do know from first-hand experience that the process is a bit more frustrating as an undergrad.

Worst-case scenario, you may need to live at home and transfer to a closer school until you save up enough money to afford tuition at the college of your choice.

Also, any chance you could work at or near your girlfriend's company(ies) on a similar schedule, and bum a ride off of her?

Her main job is full time positions only, and i thought about going to work at the clothing store, but it doesnt pay nearly well enough to cover my expenses, and the scheduling is erratic so we likely wouldnt be able to match up scheduling.

Any places near those two companies that're possibly hiring?

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Whisper
Also, how old are you? When speaking with the financial aid office, you might see about applying as an independent on your next FAFSA. They have some pretty strict rules against it, but you just might qualify.

Im already an independant, im 24.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Whisper

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Whisper
My first piece of advice would be to speak with the school's financial aid department. Explain to them the situation, and see if they can offer any advice in terms of student-friendly loans. I was able to secure quite a few (more than was needed, actually) here at grad school, but I do know from first-hand experience that the process is a bit more frustrating as an undergrad.

Worst-case scenario, you may need to live at home and transfer to a closer school until you save up enough money to afford tuition at the college of your choice.

Also, any chance you could work at or near your girlfriend's company(ies) on a similar schedule, and bum a ride off of her?

Her main job is full time positions only, and i thought about going to work at the clothing store, but it doesnt pay nearly well enough to cover my expenses, and the scheduling is erratic so we likely wouldnt be able to match up scheduling.

Any places near those two companies that're possibly hiring?

Not the main job, its in the middle of nowhere, the clothing store is part of a shopping center and i could probably find some medial job there, but again, transportation would be a problem.

 

[mattocs]

I went to college with a 2.9 avg. high school GPA and I didn't have to have anyone cosign any loans....and I had no credit, either. Try a different lender??

 

[gclg2000]

you should be able to get loans. Your going to have to claim yourself as an idependent. Which your mom will prob lose the tax credit. But then if your on your parents insurance they may HAVE to claim you as a dependent...which means you might have consider these things...

or be in my situation...

suck it up!!! no offense but...i took physics 2, organic 2 and zoology in the same semester while working full time with more bills than you've listed...and i made a 4.0 that semester...and those classes aren't needed for my Nursing Degree...

..it can be done, you have to sacrifice something...computer gaming, girlfriend time....

thats my advice.

There are young adults our age that do all i've listed above AND are single parents....

 

[Whisper]

Well then, my suggestions would be, as I mentioned, to speak with the financial aid office.

And if you're already an independent, and can file as such (without listing parent information) on your FAFSA, you should be able to receive a nice chunk of change next semester/year via grants and low-interest loans.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: mattocs
I went to college with a 2.9 avg. high school GPA and I didn't have to have anyone cosign any loans....and I had no credit, either. Try a different lender??

Do you have any suggestions?

Sallie Mae and Astrive both turned me down, which were recommended by the school.

 

[Whisper]

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: mattocs
I went to college with a 2.9 avg. high school GPA and I didn't have to have anyone cosign any loans....and I had no credit, either. Try a different lender??

Do you have any suggestions?

Sallie Mae and Astrive both turned me down, which were recommended by the school.

Do a google search for college loans, as well as trying different banks and credit unions.

Edit: Some other lenders to try...

Nellie Mae
Nelnet
Wells Fargo
Wachovia
Capital One/Hibernia
Chase
Edamerica
AMS
CLC

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Whisper
Well then, my suggestions would be, as I mentioned, to speak with the financial aid office.

And if you're already an independent, and can file as such (without listing parent information) on your FAFSA, you should be able to receive a nice chunk of change next semester/year via grants and low-interest loans.

You cant get aid for summer courses. You can only use "leftover aid" from last year. (this is what finaid told me)

 

[gclg2000]

delete

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: gclg2000
are you claimed as a dependent or not?

ANSWER THIS QUESTION ITS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR HERE

I am independant.

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Whisper
Also, how old are you? When speaking with the financial aid office, you might see about applying as an independent on your next FAFSA. They have some pretty strict rules against it, but you just might qualify.

Im already an independant, im 24.

I thought everyone handed out student loans like they were candy.

Try to get approved for a CC with no interest for one year, then pay for tuition with a CC. Just make sure you pay it off.

Stop being a baby and get a job too. Especially during the summer. You can easily bust ass and work 60 hours a week to have some loot for the next fall and spring.

Also, if you're going to grad school, why even worry about a double major?

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: tfinch2

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Whisper
Also, how old are you? When speaking with the financial aid office, you might see about applying as an independent on your next FAFSA. They have some pretty strict rules against it, but you just might qualify.

Im already an independant, im 24.

I thought everyone handed out student loans like they were candy.

Try to get approved for a CC with no interest for one year, then pay for tuition with a CC. Just make sure you pay it off.

Stop being a baby and get a job too.

Yes, a possible 20% APR on $4000 if i dont pay it off is a good idea... That would only solve the problem for a year and thats assuming i can gather enough income to pay it off.

Read the thread you tool, i explained why the job is a problem in detail.

 

[Whisper]

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Whisper
Well then, my suggestions would be, as I mentioned, to speak with the financial aid office.

And if you're already an independent, and can file as such (without listing parent information) on your FAFSA, you should be able to receive a nice chunk of change next semester/year via grants and low-interest loans.

You cant get aid for summer courses. You can only use "leftover aid" from last year. (this is what finaid told me)

I was able to accept loans for all three terms last year (fall, spring, and summer), although that might be slightly different since I'm in grad school.

But as mentioned, your best bet at this point would be applying for a private education loan. The interest rates are probably going to be around 10+%, but it's better than nothing.

And, as the guy above me mentioned, you could also look into getting a CC or two (or three) to cover tuition until you're able to get that federal aid next year.

 

[Whisper]

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: tfinch2

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Whisper
Also, how old are you? When speaking with the financial aid office, you might see about applying as an independent on your next FAFSA. They have some pretty strict rules against it, but you just might qualify.

Im already an independant, im 24.

I thought everyone handed out student loans like they were candy.

Try to get approved for a CC with no interest for one year, then pay for tuition with a CC. Just make sure you pay it off.

Stop being a baby and get a job too.

Yes, a possible 20% APR on $4000 if i dont pay it off is a good idea... That would only solve the problem for a year and thats assuming i can gather enough income to pay it off.

Read the thread you tool, i explained why the job is a problem in detail.

At this point, that might be your only option...that, or to transfer to a community/junior college with a smaller tuition until you're able to save up some money.

Edit: And just as a reference, I have somewhere in the neighborhood of maybe $30k in education loans and around $10k in credit card debt at the moment, largely from having to live entirely on other people's money for the past few years.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Whisper

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Whisper
Well then, my suggestions would be, as I mentioned, to speak with the financial aid office.

And if you're already an independent, and can file as such (without listing parent information) on your FAFSA, you should be able to receive a nice chunk of change next semester/year via grants and low-interest loans.

You cant get aid for summer courses. You can only use "leftover aid" from last year. (this is what finaid told me)

I was able to accept loans for all three terms last year (fall, spring, and summer), although that might be slightly different since I'm in grad school.

But as mentioned, your best bet at this point would be applying for a private education loan. The interest rates are probably going to be around 10+%, but it's better than nothing.

And, as the guy above me mentioned, you could also look into getting a CC or two (or three) to cover tuition until you're able to get that federal aid next year.

My federal aid is already about $2200 under my "need" each semester. We are getting by, but we live cheap. If we racked up CC bills we more than likely wouldnt have a way to pay them off.