Hi! I am searching high and low! My daughter is starting her freshman year in a out of state (Pa) college and needs to living in a dorm.she has never lived on her own and I believe forming her 1st yr will help her to learn the ropes and build a good foundation.BUT I can’t afford $13,000.!!! Does any one have any suggestions or ideas? How are middle income families affording this!
Honestly, it may be too late! One of the most important parts of the college search is knowing what you can afford to pay and what schools will cost that much. Doesn’t sound as if you did that. PArt of the COA is living cost. Middle income families are affording it by finding those schools, having their children attend a community or local college for the first couple of years, or deferring admission for a year and saving money.
You likely will have to take a loan, borrow from family, sell some things, make sure you daughter is working at LEAST during the summer, etc.
Best of luck.
How about commuting to or living at an university in your state? Would that be more affordable?
Will the school allow her to live off campus? Don’t expect a huge decrease in expenses. Most apartments come with a 12 month lease these days.
Is she already taking out her federal loans? That is $5,500 freshman year, which would help. If she is already planning to take these for tuition, is this school really affordable for your family? Maybe she needs to pick a different school closer to home, or even take a gap year to find more affordable options for next year.
Can you afford $1000 a month so your kiddo can live in a dorm at an out of state college?
Of not…what other options does she have…that are affordable.