I am going into my second year of college at Penn State University Main and am in need of help, advice?

Question

I am an elem ed major sceduled to move in on the 23rd of August and all my fiancial aid isnt straight yet and even when it is I am expected to still owe around 6,000. I hate to give up and so I am turning to you guys. Does anyone know any resources that could assist me that are not student loans?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, you asked the question too late to locate college scholarships and possibly state grants for this semester. However, it is still a remote possibility for the spring semester. I will list some free resources to locate money to attend college.

First, go to the financial aid office and their website. They often have a list of outside scholarships from private companies and organizations. They might have some additional ideas on finding additional money for college.

Second, join several free membership scholarship search websites. There are scholarships for many things out there. I recommend applying to as many as you qualify for on qualities.

Third, consider becoming a resident advisor next year. It can save money on housing.

Finally, become involved with the campus work study program. It can bring cash throughout the semester.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I am currently a Penn State student. I don't know much about Northeastern, but I'm not going to say that Penn State is the best school in the world either. It's all about what you want out of your college experience. If you want a large, well known school, with lots of options and opportunities, then Penn State might be the right place for you. If you on the other hand would like smaller classes, where you will know may of the people in your classes, this might not be the place for you. Many of the lectures have up to 500 people and at times, you feel like a number instead of a person. I suggest you decide what is most important to you and then research to see which one fits those qualities. I personally love Penn State. I have met some great people, and I feel like I am being well prepared for my future. I'm sure whatever decision you make will be the right one. Good luck.

Answer 3

There are a few ways to pay for college expenses: state funded scholarships, other scholarships, federal grants, federal loans, and private/bank loans. If you cannot get the first 4, then you are pretty much stuck taking out a private loan. However, you are better off taking out a federal loan, if you qualify through FAFSA. In terms of additional scholarships, you can check fastweb.com to see if you qualify for any, but it is already to close to the beginning of the fall semester, so those scholarships would most likely only be helpful next year.
Also, are you going into teaching? There are a lot of programs in just about every state for people going into teaching. Most of the programs require that you teach in an indigent or rural area for a couple of years, and in return, they will forgive all your loans, part of your loans, or pay for your undergraduate degree. You should talk to an advisor in the elementary ed department to find out what is available to you.

Answer 4

no, financial aid and your parents is the only way I know to pay for college. Look into scholarships. It's never too late to get a college degree. You should choose a different major that pays more. Then when you have children you won't be a teacher barely able to help your kids get through college. The money it takes to get a degree, you should choose a high paying field.

Answer 5

Call the financial aid office and see what they have to say. Sometimes they have some creative solutions. Make sure you speak to an individual-not a recording.
Call the billing office and see if you can work out a payment plan for the remaining balance.
Butts in the seats are what pays the bills for colleges. They don't like to miss out if it can be helped.

Answer 6

John,

If the loans r Govt Federal programs... $6,000 is about right for Penn. Does ur state or even Penn offer a program where if u going into education, they will give u $ each year eligible and will not owe it upon Graduation based on giving ur state 1 yr in teaching for each XX amount of money borrowed. I know of many teachers have eliminated most of their loans by teaching in designated area or fufilling a teaching shortage mandate in their state.

U can write to your local business owners asking for them to support your financial situation by paying directly to Penn state on your behalf. I do know of a guy who actually got what he needed for a trip by doing just that...

Ck to see if u can pair down expenses to reduce that in half? My own kids had to move off campus which was $3,000 savings for one and other kid was $4,000. Plus they get to live 12 mos vs 9 mos on campus. Don't give up! We need Passionate teachers. Church congreations can raise that for their own kids... Get creative.

Get into Penn Honors program. Hit the books hard, lots of opportunities open up to solid academic students. In the summer working 2 or 3 jobs will get u the money u need for school. My own DD figured what she needed to live on and worked her tail off so that she could budget out monthly those earnings. She will be able to reduce her loans considerably...