Hi! I'm a high school senior and I want to go to a public university nearby and live on campus. I've been applying for as many scholarships as possible and I'm getting a couple thousand in FinAid.. but I'm still nervous about getting everything covered. Do either of you have everything covered and scholarships? And if need be, should I take out loans if my school is an hour away just for the sake of getting the "college experience"? Thanks so much! x - Stressed out Senior
It’s always nerve wracking trying to come up with money for college and figure out if it will all work out! Sam and I are currently only on partial scholarships, so we understand your pain. I personally am going to a private school which is way more expensive, but like you I wanted to go to a big public school that wasn’t too far away. However, I received a $20,000 scholarship to the school I’m currently going to, which really contrasted with the $6,000 the public school was going to give me. That being said, don’t discourage yourself if you really want to go to this school. Keep other options open though, because you don’t want to be drowning in debt after college!!
Remember to file FAFSA!! You can get $5,500 or more for filling it out. It’s worth it trust me.
Apply for outside scholarships! I see that you have been doing that and that’s great. Make sure to look for specialized ones that you have the qualifications for! (For example, I got a $2,000 scholarship because I completed over 600 hours of community service in high school and applied for every service scholarship I could. Every bit helps.)
Talk to the university’s financial aid advisor!!! Often the advisor can meet with you and figure out ways to cut off $1,000 or so for you.
Apply for a loan. Not fun but often necessary for anyone going to college nowadays. If you need take out a loan that’s over $10,000 start reconsidering if the school is worth it to you. That’s $40,000 you need to pay off after college WITHOUT interest.
Look for university specific awards and financial help. Often, schools have a section where you can apply for specific scholarships for them. Don’t hesitate to fill a bunch out.
Remember every bit helps. Get a job over the summer and try to work at least 30 hours a week. That’s what I did and I was able to pay $6,000 from that and the previous summer I worked.
Everyone always mentions the “college experience” and I assure you that it is a real thing. I recently met someone who commutes and they are very out of the college bubble. They don’t have as many close friends because living so close with people in a dorm really brings you together. I’m not saying that it would be like that for you, but there is a possibility! I understand that room and board is a lot of money and so is a meal plan. However, I am a firm believer that as a freshman you should live on campus. An hour is a long way to drive for a couple of classes that day, and you’ll have to account for gas as well. As someone who was going to drive an hour to the public college, I’d advise against it. If you really want to go to this school and money is tight and just not working out, commute. It’ll cut over $6,000 off your tuition. You won’t receive the dorm experience (and sometimes that’s a good thing) but by sophomore or junior year you should try to live in an apartment nearby. Also, apply to be an RA and often your room, board, and meals are free. Check it out and see what your school offers! Don’t be afraid to commute, at least freshman year. It will help you incredibly.
Don’t be afraid to look at your other options. It’s hard to give up your dream school (like I did!) but just know that you will love wherever you go if you go into it with a good attitude! College is fun and amazing wherever you go, and also expensive. ;) Do what’s best for you. Look at yourself 4 years from now and see how much debt you will be in and if it would be easy for you to get a job right out of college depending on your major. I wish you the best of luck!!!! I know you’re stressed so just remember that things will work out, but sometimes not in ways we expect. Good luck!
-Gabby
