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Student loans and helpful resources ?
Posted on 12/2/14 at 9:56 am
Posted on 12/2/14 at 9:56 am
This year I will be ending my 2nd year soon at LSU and I'm looking to continue my education for a 3rd and 4th year. Only problem is that I will need to get student loans to continue paying my tuition and help my education.
I was reading this and this on some info about student loans and financial aid for some helpful info. I'm a CS major and have never really been good with finances or money. It's really stressing me out.
Does anyone have helpful online resources or IRL help I can go and talk to about my situation ? Any feedback would be helpful.
Thanks!
I was reading this and this on some info about student loans and financial aid for some helpful info. I'm a CS major and have never really been good with finances or money. It's really stressing me out.
Does anyone have helpful online resources or IRL help I can go and talk to about my situation ? Any feedback would be helpful.
Thanks!
5
Posted on 12/2/14 at 10:11 am to Tanker225
It's been almost 20 years since I was in college, but they had a financial aid office that was very helpful for me as I do recall the whole process being very overwhelming for an 18 year old. That's where I'd start.
Posted on 12/2/14 at 10:13 am to Tanker225
Here's the official federal student aid site: LINK
Don't stress: start accumulating data. Sit down and make a list of your projected expenses: tuition, fees, room/board, books, transportation costs, anything else like insurance, etc. Get a realistic idea of how much money you think you'll need.
Then think about how much money you have....and whether you have any summer/break earning potential. Assuming that CS means computer science, you may be able to find a decent part-time job. Consider working as much as possible in order to avoid borrowing--you can go part time for a semester or two and save some cash while still taking courses.
Talk to your family--while they may not be able to pay your tuition, they may be able to help you out with a specific monthly contribution you can figure into your budget.
Talk to your departmental advisor--he/she may know of work-study opportunities or jobs relevant to your field.
Don't stress: start accumulating data. Sit down and make a list of your projected expenses: tuition, fees, room/board, books, transportation costs, anything else like insurance, etc. Get a realistic idea of how much money you think you'll need.
Then think about how much money you have....and whether you have any summer/break earning potential. Assuming that CS means computer science, you may be able to find a decent part-time job. Consider working as much as possible in order to avoid borrowing--you can go part time for a semester or two and save some cash while still taking courses.
Talk to your family--while they may not be able to pay your tuition, they may be able to help you out with a specific monthly contribution you can figure into your budget.
Talk to your departmental advisor--he/she may know of work-study opportunities or jobs relevant to your field.
Posted on 12/2/14 at 11:32 am to Tanker225
Go stop by the financial aid office and talk to them. Otherwise, Dept of Ed and Sallie Mae both have pretty good resources on their websites. You will need to fill out a FASFA form, so go grab a copy now so you know what you will need when the time comes.
Pay attention to whatever deadlines LSU has for aid.
Most people get a Stafford loan, which can be subsidized (the interst is paid for while you are in school) or nonsubsidized (the interest accrues while you are in school). Payments generally don't have to be made until 6 months after you drop below half-time.
There are other loan options out there too if you need additional money.
Private student loans should be a last resort.
Pay attention to whatever deadlines LSU has for aid.
Most people get a Stafford loan, which can be subsidized (the interst is paid for while you are in school) or nonsubsidized (the interest accrues while you are in school). Payments generally don't have to be made until 6 months after you drop below half-time.
There are other loan options out there too if you need additional money.
Private student loans should be a last resort.
Posted on 12/2/14 at 1:47 pm to Tanker225
Well, I only say this because of my own experience.
Think about joining the National Guard, either Army or Air Force. You can sign up for 4 years. You will be tuition exempt(you don't pay tuition) at LSU. You will also get about 600-700 from GI Bill and Kicker per month, plus your drill pay. You don't have to worry about being deployed. let them pay for college, and after your 4 yrs is up, get out if you don't like it. I am surprised by the amount of people that don't use this to their advantage. Doing it this way, coupled with a job, you won't have to take any student loans out and will be in a better financial position when you graduate.
Think about joining the National Guard, either Army or Air Force. You can sign up for 4 years. You will be tuition exempt(you don't pay tuition) at LSU. You will also get about 600-700 from GI Bill and Kicker per month, plus your drill pay. You don't have to worry about being deployed. let them pay for college, and after your 4 yrs is up, get out if you don't like it. I am surprised by the amount of people that don't use this to their advantage. Doing it this way, coupled with a job, you won't have to take any student loans out and will be in a better financial position when you graduate.
Posted on 12/2/14 at 2:46 pm to Tanker225
Do you have a job? If not you should definitely get one. Bar tend, wait tables, work on campus - anything with a flexible schedule. Minimize your loans as much as possible. I hope you're rolling your eyes because this is common sense to you but it wasn't for me. I bought suits with student loan money and paid for trips and bar tabs - basically lived like a king. I regret that now, somewhat. If you have in-state tuition and are only needing to cover your fee-bill it shouldn't be too bad. Go talk to the financial aid office; if you don't get good advice schedule another appointment with a different counselor. Some are terrible, others aren't.
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