How Do You Get Money To Pay For College?
By KingLobster
@KingLobster (219)
United States
June 12, 2011 2:39pm CST
What ways do you use to get the money that you need for college? How do you apply for loans, grants, etc. Is there a website or forms that I need to look up?
6 responses
@KingLobster (219)
• United States
12 Jun 11
This is a tough situation. Although, you might take some comfort in the fact that many students do not even finish their undergraduate degree for 5 years according to various studies.
Sure, nine years is a long time to be in school, but it is not a complete disaster. If you feel guilty about your parents paying for your schooling, then perhaps you will consider doing what you can to change this. I don't know your personal situation, but you might consider getting a job to be able to contribute a little towards your schooling if you do not already have one.
At a minimum, it is good that you recognize that your parents are doing quite a bit for you. Make sure that you always keep this in mind.
@choybel (5042)
• Philippines
13 Jun 11
I do have sidelines to help me with other expenses in schools. I am very much aware of their sacrifices and very grateful for it. I am trying hard to finish and help my parents in turn, it's just that I am too deep in with other problems that schooling has become just another next priority. I do keep this things in mind and thank you for your concern.
@KingLobster (219)
• United States
13 Jun 11
That's great choybel. I am glad that you are so well grounded in this kind of thing. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now, but it also seems like you understand this. I hope that you are able to handle it all.
@livecenter (1136)
• Malaysia
14 Jun 11
@kinglobster: As for me, I am a little bit lucky to be approved of my scholarship, which entitles me to get minimum $500 every month, which I think is not good enough for a university student (I spent a whole lot more than that - you should see how my other friends spend their money!) It is not that I spend too much, but the prices here are way too crazy! 
By the way, my friend, I got my scholarship from an oil company...I visited their websites and filled up some forms, and I was selected for an interview...I paved my way here after several selection processes, which I think is tough and I am some lucky ones who make it through...
However, I don't think this company has any affiliations in your country, so I don't think you are eligible for their scholarship sorry to say...
All the way to college, my friend!
By the way, my friend, I got my scholarship from an oil company...I visited their websites and filled up some forms, and I was selected for an interview...I paved my way here after several selection processes, which I think is tough and I am some lucky ones who make it through... However, I don't think this company has any affiliations in your country, so I don't think you are eligible for their scholarship sorry to say...
All the way to college, my friend! 
@livecenter (1136)
• Malaysia
15 Jun 11
@kinglobster: Maybe it's time to look into it, my friend. Giving it a try wouldn't hurt, am I right. Also, if you can enlighten me, what do you mean by a refund? It doesn't ring a bell for me, obviously because I am not an American. Great thanks in advance. 
@dodo19 (47117)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
13 Jun 11
I took a student loan, in order to pay for my university education. I applied for a government loan. That help to pay for part of it anyway. I was having a difficult time living month to month. So, my parents were kind enough to help me out a little. They were able to send a few bucks every month, which was very appreciated.
@KingLobster (219)
• United States
14 Jun 11
It is nice to have parents that can come in to help you like that. That is what they are there for, but it is still nice that they are coming in to fulfill this role. I too have taken out student loans in order to pay for my education. However, I have done what I can to try to keep the amount that I have borrowed as low as possible.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
12 Jun 11
I strictly had to get student loans and have a whooping huge student loan amount for a 6 year education as I received my masters. There are sites like:
(not referral links)
www.FAFSA.gov
and
www.salliemae.com
I had to go through both to get all my loans.
I would advise the first one first because it will determine if you qualify for grants, if you need additional by loans that is then I used the second also. A school counselor can help guide you as well.
@KingLobster (219)
• United States
12 Jun 11
Student loans are a big part of the game for many people it seems. As much as I tried to avoid these, I did have to get a small one at the very end of last semester. I did this just to make sure that I would have money to pay the rent in case my sources of income dried up. This is not something that I wanted to have to do, but it is just something that happened.
I am determined to make sure that I get rid of these loans by the time I graduate. This means that i personally track my loans at http://myfedloan.org/. By doing this, I am able to keep tabs on my loan and make payments on it along the way. I am hopeful that getting this loan paid off so soon will also give me a nice bump to my credit score.
@ckciasigurl (2081)
• Italy
14 Jun 11
hi kinglobster! honestly my parents used to pay my tuition fee for college i am in my 3rd yr now and hopefully after graduating this 4 year course i would be able to pay them back and make proud of my parents ,
@KingLobster (219)
• United States
14 Jun 11
I think it is a noble thing to want to pay back your parents for all that they have put into your education. I also think that they do deserve to be paid back for all of this. I personally believe that you absolutely have the right attitude about this. Those who help us out in ways like this deserve to be paid back the money that they have put into it all.
@soccerbai123 (274)
• Philippines
14 Jun 11
Well, before, my parents were the one who paid for my college tuition but since they were not able to afford it, I had to get a sponsor.
I applied as a working student and that worked out for a semester. After that, I stopped and worked for two years. Eventually decided to go back to school while working.
@KingLobster (219)
• United States
14 Jun 11
Balancing work and school at the same time can be very tough. I could understand how some parents may not be able to pay for your schooling, or how some might stop paying after a while. I am glad that it worked out in your situation. There are many who would just have given up if they did not get the funding that they needed from others.
