How can I pay for college successfully without scholarships, while being a full time student?

Question

- I am already a college student for my first year
- I am afraid that because of my first semester GPA my scholarships will be taken away and that I might not get them again next year.
- I am totally ALL for scholarships, the question is how do i get along without them?
- And what happens when i cannot take out anymore loans?!

Answer 1

I did it myself, and you can too. It's a struggle, but it will make you value your happy life after you graduate.

First of all, you need to see if staying at your current University is reasonable. If you are going to a 30,000 a year school and have no loan cosigners, you will need to find a new school. From experience, the highest tuition that you will be able to handle (even with loans) is around $15,000 a year. This narrows your choices to smaller colleges and state universities. Otherwise you have to switch to part time at an expensive school.

Without a cosigner, expect to qualify for about $5,000 a year in loans as a full-time student.

Now, as a full time student, you have much more free time than you think. You can spare 20 hours a week to work and will not miss it. You must be picky about your job. You need to be taking home at least $500 every two weeks or about $12.50 an hour. You may have to work a job that isn't fun just for the money. I've know college students working as a machine operator in a factory, a telemarketer, or a night clerk in a hotel. The fun "college jobs" usually pay under $8 an hour so you can't have one. This money all goes towards tuition (about $10,000). Every summer vacation and winter break, up your hours to 60 or 80 hours for an additional $5,000. You'll need this for books, rent, and food for the year.

Also, try to graduate a semester or two early. Most schools charge the same for 20 credits as they do for 12 within a semester since they are both full-time. It's a great bargin.

Lastly, cheap out on rent or food. No luxury flat for you. No takeout food every night. Any money you save here can be applied to tuition so stick to a tight budget. Similary, sell your car if at all possible. This saves you a tremendous amount over four years.

Expect four years of sacrifice but it will all be worth it. Good luck!

Answer 2

I don't understand why you don't want scholarships. Many colleges have foundation scholarships, and that is money you do not have to pay back like you could student loans..
The way I paid for college was to work as a student worker. Usually financial aid has a list of jobs that are available at the college. After your first semester you can use your GPA to get scholarships. There is also many scholarhips for students studying certain majors. For instance, there are many scholarships for teachers and nurses since those careers are in need of people.

Answer 3

I assume that you are in the situation of having to pay for college yourself. First, you need to take a hard look at what you are able to afford. College costs range from difficult but doable to so far out there it is unbelievable. The 'average' private college now costs around $31,000 a year. But local community colleges, which are generally only two year programs offer a great, affordable way to get started. And, you can transfer to a larger school with almost half of your undergraduate schooling done.

Like one of the earlier answerees, I have to ask " Why no to scholarships?" Don't get into the mind set that scholarships are only for academics. Many schools have small, specialty scholarships set aside for unique populations. Case in point: my cousin had asthma and was interested in a career in nursing. She ended up getting a scholarship to a college in the south because she HAD asthma and wanted to be a pulmonary nurse!

You will need to complete the FAFSA [www.fafsaonline.com]. You will need to have your 2006 tax information completed before you do, if you are interested in going to school next year. What the FAFSA does is look at your income [and your parents if they are paying also] and determines what you can be 'reasonably' expected to contribute annually toward your college costs. All colleges and universities require that you file FAFSA before they will consider giving you any money [grant or scholarship]. Be very careful--filing FAFSA is FREE!!! Don't get scammed into paying someone to help you with the filing. You can do it online--it is very simple.

You could look into co-op programs where you work and go to school. Many large universities still offer those options. In the past, those students co-opting would work on campus for one semester, then attend classes the next. Yes, it takes longer to get through, but you gain work experience and have an income.

If you are still in high school, meet with your guidance counselor. They will have information on the various federal grants and loans that you may qualify for. And, you can always take out private loans as well. Stafford loans are limited in the amount you can borrow, but the interest rates are lower. PLUS loans are usually taken out by parents, but allow you to borrow 100% of your college costs, including books.

Good luck! And don't be afraid to apply to your dream schools. You never know... you may be just what they are looking for, and they may offer you a full-ride!

Answer 4

I made it through three years of college with help from parent loans but now in my last year I'm all on my own. It's NOT easy but it is possible. I work two jobs (one at my school through my department and the other a weekend job at starbucks) and I have class 5 days a week.
My advice, find a job, then look at loan companies (sallie mae, nellie mae, key, citibank ect), do your best to find scholarships, make sure that you are taking out all the money from your government loans that you can.

Answer 5

I use Stafford loans. They are guaranteed by the government, so your credit doesn't matter. You don't have to start paying them back until 6 months after you stop taking classes, and you have 10 years to pay them back, at a fairly low interest rate. I know I will be in debt for a long time after college, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.

Answer 6

Fill out the FAFSA, depending on who you are, you can possibly get most of your tuition paid for. Also a lot of companies you can work for have tuition reimbursements, where after you work for them a while they'll give you some of your tuition money back. Or you could get student loans which you don't have to start to pay back until you finish or quit school.

Answer 7

serious answer.

find a job and invest the money into an isa account.
you can also start an ebay business. or for example if u wanna become a nurse write off to a nursing company and ask them would they be intrested in paying some of your fees if in return you do some free work expeirience over the summer.



non serious

sell your body

Answer 8

Get a student loan from the bank

Answer 9

Take out student loans and go to Law School. On your last class they'll tell you how to file bankrupcy with no penaties and get out of your loans. Don't laugh - I was at a party with a bunch of graduates from Western University years ago and they had to explain what the professor was telling them as a metaphor during a final seminar to one of their stupid classmates that didn't get it. Don't hire that one as your lawyer.

Answer 10

Join the military reserve
On Campus work study programs
Student (Pell) Grants
Inheritance from Billionaire Father/Mother/Grandparents/Uncle
Robbery of the nearest Bank (don't tell them my name)
Work two jobs inbetween classes, never sleep
Win the Lottery