@gtgonewrong Try the University of Maine at Farmington. That could be more affordable and it’s nice.
@gearmom University of Maine Farmington does not offer my major, and is not a good fit for me.
What is your intended major?
I’m a journalism major @thumper1
Working journalists majored in history, political science, economics, English, Rhetoric/writing, urban studies, and/or foreign languages. Go google the bio’s of a couple of journalists you admire (start with the editorial board of the Wall Street Journal) and see. I’m a fan/follower of a couple of the writers now covering the candidates in the presidential election and I’m impressed with how many of them are history majors. It certainly shows in the quality of their analysis.
Do not eliminate a good, affordable choice because you can’t major in journalism. The top journalists in the world major in actual academic subjects- which teach them HOW to cover the topics they cover. Then they get writing experience by working on a school or local newspaper or writing for a local TV station while in college.
I thought I would update everyone with the fact that I am attending my dream school for free. No loans, and not paying a single penny out of pocket. It is possible, and I think that the people on here shouldn’t try so hard to shoot down peoples dreams.
No one on this site is trying to shoot down dreams. They give practical advice based on knowledge and experience, to those who ask for it – as you did. Doesn’t mean there aren’t times when circumstances change or someone just beats the odds.
Congratulations!
@gtgonewrong if you want to be helpful you can tell people how you were able to do that.
Yes…please do give details. It appears that you will be attending GMU (George Mason University) OOS on a full ride?
Congrats!
Why don’t you share what you did to get from $32,000 for all four years to full awards scholarship.
If this is really possible, I’m sure students would like to know how you did it.
ETA…the OP was acceoted to George Mason when he started this thread. He had received only merit aid at that point in time. GMU sends need based awards closer to when the RD kids get theirs.
So…perhaps the OP got enough need based aid to make up the difference. I’d love to hear the explanation.
@gtgonewrong: can you explain how you got a full ride? It’d be very useful to know.
Congrats @gtgonewrong ! That’s great!
Yes, please share how you managed to get more money - it could be very helpful to other applicants.
That is great that you can afford to attend you first choice school.
It won’t be quite free though because any grants or scholarships that exceed tuition, fees and books are taxable
I received no need-based aid from George Mason University because I was out of state, but received a full Pell grant, an $8,000/year academic scholarship, $5,500 in grants, and an additional $3,000 scholarship from GMU. I then applied for countless outside scholarships, and received one for $13,000 over 4 years, and one for $20,000/year, along with many smaller community scholarships.
Congratulations on being able to attain your dream. We live in VA and my son was accepted at GMU for computer science but he has ultimately decided to go elsewhere.
I did not see this thread when it was new but I would have weighed in not to borrow money for a journalism degree. That’s what my degree was in (not from GMU) and I’m glad I had no debt during my first years out of college. I’m glad to see you aren’t borrowing. Good job.
The posters here gave you excellent guidance. They wanted you to have a back up plan in case those scholarships did not come through. They were correct in predicting that GMU would not give you much aid; GMU gave you $3k.
You could be helpful to other students if you would please name the two scholarships you received.
I had to laugh at the idea that U of Maine graduates don’t have futures. I immediately thought of two successful graduates of U Maine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_King
…And his wife. He and Tabitha make tidy livings.
Excellent…and thank you for sharing. In your post 114, I think you meant you got $5500 in loans…that is the Direct Loan amount for freshmen.
Thank you!
Nope, I recieved $5,500 in grants. An out of state student grant, and a $1,000 FSEOG.
FSEOG is need based aid. Your OOS Grant is likely need based as well. So you did get some school based need based aid. SEOG is awarded by the colleges…not the federal government. The money comes from federal,funds but the award is given as a need based award by the school.
Still…congratulations. You clearly had some good outside scholarship money.
Of course I’m curious where the $20,000 a year award came from? That could be a huge help,to,other students in the future.
5500 plus $8000 plus $20,000 plus $3000 plus 1/4 of $13,000…so $4000 or so…equals $40,000 or so per year. Plus your Pell. Does that cover the $47,000 COA?