What should I do?

Question

I'm trying to be compromising here with my dad but he won't budge. I want to move out and live out my college life however he insists that I stay at home but I feel conflicted since I'm worried about getting into debt but also feel that living on my own will make me more academically productive. If I live at home I would have to tolerate my mom's crazy shoutings, my brother's pyschotic rants and the distracting environment, plus its usually cold here since we're not allowed to turn on the heater. As you can imagine, its hard to study or do homework here. If I live at college, I wouldn't have to deal with those issues and just arrange my own living schedule.

What I'm asking here is for some suggestions. I know that I'll get further into debt and my dad is pressing for me to stay. I've calculated all of my 5 year expenses and I've averaged out to about $117,000. What kind of a loan plan should I apply for? What are the options do you think I have left?

Answer 1

I can see both sides of the argument on this one on staying and moving. As others said, there are problems even with living on campus. However, it could be very difficult in getting the student loans or financial aid without your parents income and tax returns. Also, the amount you are looking for in student loans could make it pretty hard to be independent once you graduate from college unless you go into a well paying career even with loan consolidation. However, there are places on campus to study and find a quiet space to work such as a library in most cases even if you commute because of the long hours it is typically open. I will list some free sources to locate money to attend college.

First, the college's financial aid office and website has a list of private scholarships offered from outside organizations and companies. Sometimes a college major's website will list scholarships, too.

Second, the public library has a book listing scholarships with some not even listed on the web.

Third, the high school guidance office has a list of local scholarships and state scholarships & grants.

Fourth, a campus work study job can help with money needed during the school year. The program is funded by the federal government. It will be a job on campus and most times can work to your availability schedule. There should be a box on the FAFSA form for it.

Fifth, fill out the FAFSA form after January 1 of your senior year of high school. It will qualify her for need based financial aid from the federal government and the school itself. It will come in the form of scholarships, Pell Grant, student loans, and the work study program.

Sixth, study and practice for the SAT or ACT tests. It can help bring merit scholarships from the college itself.

Seventh, states do offer grant and scholarships for students with excellent grades. Search Google.com and Yahoo.com for these grants and scholarships with your state's name.

Finally, I recommend joining several free membership scholarship search websites. There are scholarships for a variety of things including ethnicity, clubs, hobbies, and even wearing duct tape to the high school prom. Most are updated on a regular basis. Most offer a customized search based on information entered onto a form on the website.

Good luck!

Answer 2

stay if u can debt is super hard to get out of... just think when u finish school u will owe more money then u will pay for ur house... its crazy