I'm 26, have no parents willing to cosign, no friends willing to take on the burden and the federal aid and federal loans are not enough. I'll will be working, but it's not enough either. There has to be something available that I don't know about. HELP!
2006-08-09 09:21:01 · 21 answers · asked by dyvyrsyty 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Financial Aid
Have you tried talking to the university's admissions office? They may know of open grants or scholarships you can apply for to boost the money for school.
You say you are 26. Are you currently employed? Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement or assistance for classes related to your field?
2006-08-09 09:26:39 · answer #1 · answered by Molly M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd call the financial aid office of any colleges you might be interested in going to...they can tell you about scholarships they offer. I totally financed my grad degree with the max amount from both government loans that I could get and then the difference was made up with a private 'educational' loan from Citibank. Unfortunately when you go to consolidate your loans you can't consolidate a private educational loan with your government loans. The fin. aid office of any college should be able to answer any of your questions....I was 25 when I applied for all my loans for grad school and I didn't need a cosigner for the personal educational loan...check around...I'm sure you have more options than you realize, especially if you're independent.
2006-08-09 09:41:37 · answer #2 · answered by Becky S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I would research available scholarships. There are a lot of off-the-wall ones out there. For example if you are left-handed, if you are a woman, if you are a minority, if your parents never graduated from college, if you can trace your American ancestry back to the American Revolution (scholarship is through Daughters of the American Revolution). No joke, there are scholarships out there for this stuff. Do your research online or in your student financial aid office. Secondly, there are also many grants available. Apply, apply, apply for everything you can. Thirdly, if you haven't applied through FAFSA, find out if you are eligible. You are 26, so you no longer have to claim your parent's income as your own (you usually have to until you turn 24), which means that they may be able to give you more financial aid than you could have gotten when you were younger. The lower your income from your job, the more FAFSA can cover...and you don't have to have collateral or a cosigner. Lastly, if none of this pans out, it may be time to consider a second job or a higher paying first job. I made it through college with scholarships, grants, loans and 2 jobs...one full time and one part-time. It may not be easy, but it is worth it!!!
2006-08-09 09:41:33 · answer #3 · answered by midnightharmonyz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go back to the government. You can appeal your loan saying you don't have enough funds to afford schooling, might work might not, but it's worth a shot.
also some banks offer student loans, but the only difference between them and a government student loan is that interest starts as soon as you recieve your loan, but the bank will be more willing to give you more money.
2006-08-09 09:26:51 · answer #4 · answered by Nikki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to work at a college and assisted students in their finances. Check with the business office at the college, and see if there is a payment plan you can be put on. We were very creative in helping students in your situation pay for their education.
2006-08-09 09:25:14 · answer #5 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry, the only answer i got is work your butt off and find a way to make as much money as possible. I hear bartenders make decent money.
Look for scholarships, it takes research but you'd be amazed at the scholarships out there.
2006-08-09 09:26:27 · answer #6 · answered by Mister X 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Live in a cheaper place and spend less money.
(I was going to suggest working, but you're doing that already.)
Or, take a break from school, work your fanny off, save as much as you can, then go back.
I'm still going to recommend my first idea -- cut back on outgo: live in a cheap place, no toys, cook cheap meals for yourself, etc.
2006-08-09 09:26:48 · answer #7 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to fund college (or any major purchase) is everything down, nothing a month. The best way to do this is to apply yourself, and get a job!!!
I hope this helps,
Lonnie
2006-08-09 09:25:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a tough one! Kudos to u for trying to better yourself w/higher education. Have u tried to get a grant? Maybe work more hours?
2006-08-09 09:25:37 · answer #9 · answered by Sheryl R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
work a lot and save. also, build credit, b/c at 26 you shouldn't need a cosigner unless your credit isn't so hot.
2006-08-09 09:25:36 · answer #10 · answered by joey322 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋