"Also, she has said that because I’m 20, I’m responsible for paying for my education because attending Richmond or MHC is my dream - not hers. "
You have been advised to talk to your mother when she will listen to you. I advise you listen to her. She’s telling you she can’t afford either college. She makes $40k per year, but one of her benefits is free tuition for her kids. She doesn’t HAVE $5000 for you. I really think she’s done her part in getting you free tuition at a college. Not perfect, not your dream school, but she’s provided what she can. Your father is also telling you he can’t afford it. You said he makes about $50k per year and supports a new family, plus still pays child support for your brother. There just isn’t the money to send you to either of these colleges. Someday you’ll make $40k and you’ll realize there just isn’t a lot left over after paying the rent, the utilities, the car expenses, the food. You won’t have an extra $500/mo to give to your college kid because you’ll still be paying your student loans.
Your parents want you to have the things you want, and don’t want to say no to you, but they can’t afford it. Have you thought about taking a year off, working and earning all the money you need? It does play havoc with the FA as you’ll have more assets, but that’s how it goes sometimes.
I want my kids to have everything they want to, but I had to say no to summer school because we just don’t have the money. Yes, it would be easier if they went to summer school because they’d have a lighter load during the year, but we just can’t afford it. Sometimes the parent has to say no and you have to accept it.
Yes, @HelloImChelsea, you can and should ask Richmond if they can increase your work study award. But why not ask if they can increase your institutional grant, as well? Is it that you don’t want to seem ungrateful? Ask if they can increase your award. Period. And tell them how much of an increase you need in order to be able to afford to attend. You need the money. So ask. The worst they can say is no.
And I don’t understand why you’re digging in your heels at the prospect of taking out a federal direct loan this year. It should be available to you, and having $3,250 in extra funds available for each of the next two years significantly decreases the contribution you’ll need from either Mom or Dad. If either Mom or Dad isn’t willing or able to come up with the $5k/year you’re estimating you’ll need, that $6,500 loan may mean the difference between being able to afford to transfer, and not being able to afford to transfer.
Even if your tuition at MSSU is free, you’re still entitled to a federal loan to cover your estimated housing costs for the current year. It makes no difference that you’re living at home.
I agree with twoinanddone. It sounds like neither school is affordable for your parents. Taking a gap year to earn the extra money you need may be a good idea. Your parents won’t be able to come up with money they don’t have.
@mommdc I asked my mom about my great uncle. She said that when her cousins were in college, my uncle didn’t help them with anything. They both worked full time in factory while going to school.
My grandparents didn’t help my mom with her expenses either. My grandma told me she worked 3 jobs while going to college.
To them, they shouldn’t have to help me pay for college - especially not an “overpriced snobby rich kid school.”
I think they did give you a straight answer. Your dad said he could possibly give you a few hundred dollars and your mom said you’re responsible for paying for your own education. I think that’s pretty clear.
Richmond minus the grant cost 45k for the next two years. Subtract 15k for Stafford loans. You are left with 30k. Subtract 14k from your savings, work study and summer earnings. You still have 16k plus travel, books and personal expense. I would start going into lemonade mode and see what would make you happier at MSSU. Look at studying in Canada for a year. And then look at grad schools while you finish your senior year.
I thought work study, at least Federal work study, had a limit?
Also, I would focus on that you may have to foot the WHOLE bill.
Is there any thought about whether you could do a co-op or some other way to space out paying for college and working? How about how many community college credits MHC might take?
When it comes down to it, someone like you might have to get a full-time job in order to pay for college. If your parents truly cannot afford it, or truly think they can’t, a difference of a few thousand dollars per year between MHC and Richmond is immaterial - both are just as affordable and both are just as unaffordable.
@HelloImChelsea It’s a luxury of modern times to be able to have boutique majors which are tailored to your interests. Choose a major which is close to your desired career and finish your bachelors at MSSU. You only have two years left. Not only will you be debt free but you’ll have money in the bank for grad school. And hopefully you’ll be able to get a doctorate for free. Learning Arabic will take many, many years. There is no reason to cripple yourself with debt and put your family in financial jeopardy so you can start right now. And using all of your resources for only two years of undergrad will delay any chance of grad school which will be more important in the long run.