My parents have a high income, but didn't save for college. What do I do?

Question

They're going to be helping and paying for maybe 8-10,000 a year, but I want to go to an expensive college and get a good education. I have good grades, I'm on a student exchange, I've been reasonably active in High School, though I don't stand out in any sports. My older sister can't get financial aid because my parents' income is too high, so there's no reason to suspect that when I go to college (september 2008) I'll get enough. Does anyone know what I can do or apply for as far as scholarships? There are always loans, but I'm more interested in not entering my life in debt.

Answer 1

You could work like I had to. My parents did not pay for ANY of my college, so you should consider yourself lucky.

Answer 2

First off depending on what state you are in you can not only get a good but an excellent education by going to a state school. Some state schools are even rated above the more expensive privet schools depending on what you want to study. Do sum research instead of assuming that more expensive is better.

That said, if you really have your heart set on going to a more expensive college or university, there are thousands of scholarships that you can look at to see if you qualify. Some require a certain ethnic background others are looking for specific areas of study or participation in certain activities. The US government actually puts out a pamphlet that lists them. This will still require sum research on your part.

You could also look into ROTC programs, or look into joining a service on a delay entry program where they will pay for your schooling first and you serve your country second.

Lastly you could do what I did when I was in college. I worked a full time job during the summer and part time during school. Some schools can even place you in a work study program where you work at a position where you can learn about the profession you wish to enter, and get college credits for the job.

I did five years of college and only had to barrow 1200 dollars. There are options our there. However, they will not come knocking at your door you will have to seek them out and you may not like some of them.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

It helps if you apply for a scholarship at the financial office of the college of your choice. The information you will obtain from this applicaton will be an indication of how much money your parents have to contribute to your education. After you know the amount that your parents will contribute, you will have to find a way to pay for the rest. Some people take on jobs, others take loans, others work first then go to college. So, it depends on your situation

Answer 4

Not meaning to sound harsh here - but maybe now's as good of a time as any for you to learn that you have to make choices in life. You "want" to go to an expensive college - you're "interested in not entering life in debt". Lots of people get a quite good education at a state school, or someplace more affordable than your "expensive" college - or spend a number of years paying off school loans.

Maybe you work a couple years, save every cent you can, and then go to school. Maybe you go to school part time and work part or full time. Maybe you really bite the bullet, and both work full time AND go to school full time.

Good luck on finding a way to get a solid education......

Answer 5

Why do you need to go to an expensive college? There are many of state universities with more prestige. A LOT of top state colleges rarely take anyone who was below the top 25% of their class, like UNH. Some state universities have the top programs in the country. If you want to be in debt for the rest of your life for a name brand that's worth nothing, go for it! Expensive does not mean better!

Answer 6

Talk with your high school counselor, they can point you in the right direction. Once you are in college, they also have a student center where you can find all the scholarships, and requirements. It might be posted in a special computer or an actual binder where you can flip though them.

Answer 7

My friend, college loans are inevitable. I was stuck in the same situation. I did not qualify for financial aid such as grants and was stuck with many loans. I would advise working there are many job opportunites on campus. Talk to your financial aid advisor at your college they can possibly help you out if you explain your situation.

Answer 8

You have a good head on your shoulders for not wanting to get into debt. There are all kinds of scholarships out there, but you do have to do the research to find them. That's where Google and your high school guidance counselor come in.

Answer 9

I start by saying a lot of scholarships are need based you might want to focus on academic, or merit bases scholarships based on your grades and you involvement with your high school. Start volunteering it looks great on a application for a scholarship. Good Luck

Answer 10

why do you feel that you will only get a good education if you go to an expensive school? it sounds like you are looking more for status than educational opportunities. many people work their way thru college and make great grades. if you can't get any free financial aid then you'll have to do what it takes.

Answer 11

there are many scholarships out there.. talk to your school of choice and find out what they are offering.

if you feel that you want some financial support from the government, you can always say that you are getting no financial support from your parents and claim "independent" and you will get something from them even if your parents can afford it. i've never done it, but my friends have done it and it has worked for them.