<p>NUraider also brought up loan caps, which is a pretty cool deal, I think. You won’t have to spend more than $20k on need-based loans - so, the Stafford and Perkins loans they put in your package. Granted, we’re spending more in PLUS loans and the like, but knowing that at least that portion of my package won’t reach over that much helps ease the mind a bit.</p>
<p>You also of course have the option to pursue outside scholarships, which we all know are very competitive but always open. They will cover your need-based loans first. Thus, if your package includes $3,500 in Staffords and $1,000 in Perkins, and you get a $5,000 scholarship, that’s those loans gone. After that I believe workstudy is covered (though, just IMO, work study is a cool deal if you can cover tuition in some other manner - you have a job with the benefit of your employers understanding your situation, plus you can’t blow all of your money at once because you only get paid every 2 weeks…woo, you can buy food!). The subsidized loans are great compared to unsubsidized private loans you might have to take out, but it is a lot nicer to not have to deal with them at all!</p>
<p>My family and I have been struggling with financial aid a LOT in the past month specifically (appeals, PLUS loans, etc), not to mention all the business before it, so if you have any specific questions feel free to message me!</p>