<p>SomethingSilly,</p>
<p>“But I won’t be getting any money from my parents for college. So. I’m screwed.”</p>
<p>Nope. You’re terribly disappointed (and I don’t blame you - I wasn’t allowed to even apply to my top school because of money, and it annoys me to this day). </p>
<p>So … what you do is go somewhere undergrad that you can (sort of) afford … and save Chicago for graduate or professional school. Remember, due to financial aid structuring and/or parental finances, there are going to be plenty of really bright kids in the same boat as you. And, when you have your first child, you start the college fund. </p>
<p>Reasonable private loans for undergrad would depend on the profession you are considering. I wouldn’t like to see an I-banking type exceed 35-40K, or a future teacher exceed 25K total (including federal). The only situation I could see for exceeding this would be if you have very good prospects for inheritance in the near future (or a grandparent that will contribute while still alive). I have been yelled at for suggesting this - but if I am ever lucky enough to be a grandmother, I know I would want to contribute if I can. </p>
<p>And … thanks for the virtual cookies!</p>