Throughout the years I found that the hardest part of going to college is paying for it. I've been in and out of college twice and now I'm on my third try. The problem is always money. I apply for financial aid, that barely covers any of it. When I was under 24 they said the reason was because my parents made too much money and being under 24 you're still a dependant. ok So my parents can barely pay their mortgage, which isn't even that high. I've seen apartment rents that cost more. So now how are they supposed to pay for my education.
Anyway. Now I'm over 25 and guess what? I still can't get enough money. Financial aid still doesn't cover it. which in most cases doesn't. I'm not eligable for any grant, because now supposedly I make too much money. Here's the thing though, even if I saved every sent I made not spending anything on bills or personal expenses I still wouldn't have enough to pay for college. Example, if I made $18,000 the cost after financial aid was still $25,000 includes housing. I still come up short.
So now I'm expected to get a private loan. Another problem. I don't have enough credit history, like most students. I don't have someone who can co-sign for me so I get denied by everyone. I'm expected to pay for this all on my own. I don't think that's possible. I can't exactly pull money magically out the sky. right?
Well fortunately I found a school that offers my area of study online. So for now I attend classes online. I can only take two at a time though becuase I still have out-ofpocket expenses for the remaider of tuition which my loans don't cover and also books and supplies, plus any computer software/hardware I may need. One day I'm hoping to get on campus. I really feel it would be a better learning experience, becuase right I'm practically teaching myself. Now I obviously don't have anything against online courses. It's a great oppurtunity for someone in my position, but lets face it's not the same as having someone in front of you teaching in a more personal enviornment.
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I totally agree that it's hard to pay for your college courses because not only do you have to pay the tuition; but, you also have to pay the registration fee, technology fee, student services fee, book fee, etc.
I feel you about financing your college career. It isn't easy. People think that just because you live in a great area, and make a nice chunk of money, that you can afford everything. If that was true, then people wouldn't be applying for grants, scholarships, or loans. The only piece of advice I could tell you is to apply for undergraduate scholarships. Hopefully things end up working in your favor. What I am curious about is how much is it going to be for our future generation to attend college.
Thanks...I know what you mean about the future generation. If it's this hard for us now how hard is it going to be for them. That's the reason I keep telling my sisiter to prepare for her kids college now and they're babies. Her oldest is only 8, but it's important to look towards the future.