<p>financial aid folks have already exercised their professional judgement/special consideration. was advised by them earlier this month that they would re-review everything to see if they could offer any more aid but if they did it would not be substantial. (Rather strange after last year’s ward when Dad paid a large portion of the Fall 2010 semester bill.) I then contacted a Dean. EFC is about $3800 for each kid. Having kids take semesters off causes many financial repercussions. So it appears to me they are not asking for any information again, other than what I think I can afford.</p>
<p>Once you get this one graduated will you be able to afford to keep the other two at schools they are at? Do you know exactly what you need to get the senior graduated? Can your “senior” borrow from her father on her own to finish her degree since it sounds like he might have contributed in the past? If the school is not willing to help you maybe they might hold her aid package and let her drop out and work for a year and finish up next year to make up the difference between her package and what can be afforded. Even with a minimum wage job he/she should be able to save around $10,000 working full time for a year if he/she lives at home. Just some ideas, I know I’d be trying to figure out how to get the senior one graduated without a transfer. I’m assuming that the other two are younger than this senior – but if not, can they take over their own costs and you divert any money you are giving them to your senior?</p>
<p>Is this an EFC only school? I ask because Dad (your former Husband?) paid off a semester.</p>
<p>One thing I forgot to mention (those cognitive impairments really make things difficult for me) the director of financial aid said when he would re-review for additional aid but there would be any substantial additional aid, that I should find a cosigner (I had already told him I couldn’t find one). It is worthwhile to give them more details about that - my relative that cosigned for me previously was laid off recently and can’t cosign for me.</p>
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<p>It should be obvious why a cosigner is not easy for you to find. That person would be responsible for loan repayment if you can’t do so…and since you can’t/arent’ working that would be very likely. </p>
<p>BUT here’s what I would do…I would list out all of the loans you currently have for ALL of your kids (not the ones in THEIR names…the ones in YOUR name). You should be able to show the significant debt you have amassed and be clearly able to explain why you can’t assume more.</p>
<p>Where is your son now? Is he at college taking classes? </p>
<p>I hope this works out for your son’s sake…but really with two others in college, you have this as a LONG TERM issue. What will happen even IF they resolve this for your son this year? How will you pay for the other two to finish their college educations? I know that this isn’t what you are asking in this thread but it is important to consider. </p>
<p>It sounds like all three of your kids are at private universities that are very expensive…I know no one wants to switch schools (and I would NOT advocate that for the college senior) but the others may need to reconsider if the finances aren’t there to support their educations for the full four years.</p>
<p>I think these kids are the ones who need to appeal to their affluent dad about their shortfall. I would imagine that he would certainly want his kids to graduate and not drop out…he probably brags to others about his kids, their schools, their successes, etc. If he were to be told that the kids can’t enroll without a few thousand from him, he may come forward…if the KIDS are the ones who kindly ask and present the dire situation. The ex may feel comfortable saying “no” to his ex-wife, but not feel so comfortable saying no to his kids.</p>
<p>If the dad is aware of the co-signed loans that his ex has taken out, and is aware of her disabilities, only the most heartless would turn his back on his kids during their last years of college.</p>
<p>I agree with mom2. Depending on how well the student did, could they possibly agree to go to work for the college as a grad assistant or something to that sort and work it off slowly. Basically agree to work for x number of years after graduating if they pay for this years shortfall.</p>
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<p>An interesting idea…but I don’t believe colleges DO this. Grad assistants are given this award to fund GRAD school…and workers at colleges get their jobs by interviewing…not to repay past debts.</p>
<p>They may not typically do it or possibly not at all, but it would show the college that the student is willing to do what it takes to finish school. It sounds like mom has done everything she can possibly do, and if dad isn’t willing to help out it rests in the students lap. Many might disagree with me, but dropping out for a year or more I think should be the last resort.</p>
<p>Taking a leave of absence is NOT dropping out. It is taking time off…and many students do this for many different reasons. The reality is that if this student’s bills are not paid, he will not get his diploma anyway…until they are.</p>
<p>I hope this family is able to work out this situation. From what I can gather, the school is gathering information. The student didn’t NEED any aid other than the Stafford loan for three years, thus no need based aid was awarded in those three years. This school does not meet full need for all students. My guess is this is an expense the SCHOOL didn’t see coming…and they need as much info as necessary to make a decision one way…or another.</p>
<p>Sounds like this is the second appear to the college. This poster has a $14,000 gap to get this I’m assuming oldest kid graduated this spring. A student would have to work over 1750 hours at minimum wage to cover $14,000 an entire year straight at 40 hours a week. Which is a potential solution, see if the college will defer the last year of aid while the student works full time for a year to cover the gap between aid and out of pocket.</p>
<p>not only is dad heartless, he has no soul or conscience. There was an eleven day trial - he claims he spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to prove he has no relationship with his kids. The school is aware of the relationship my kid has with the father and there was documentation from others to back it up.</p>
<p>he claims he spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to prove he has no relationship with his kids.</p>
<p>And that’s something a dad wants to PROVE???..and spend money proving? Odd…very odd. and sad…very sad. no soul…no soul.</p>
<p>dad has 2 children with his second wife - they go to private school at an annual cost of over $60K per year - have been since pre-K. They’re currently in 3rd and 5th grade. Not that any of this helps me with financial aid…</p>
<p>No it doesn’t help you and it’s water under the bridge which is why the kid that is a college senior need to talk to the dad and you both need to prepare yourselves if the college doesn’t give you any more aid. There is nothing more you can do concerning him. You do need to get your plans in place with the other two. The current plan doesn’t sound sustainable.</p>
<p>perhaps this wasn’t clear - DAD doesn’t talk to these kids - he has been invited to high school graduations, college honor ceremonies, etc - and doesn’t even respond. He has moved on with his new family of many years, has no problem spending alot of money on elementary educations. I’m not sure what you’re saying about the current plan.</p>
<p>I think what is meant above is that the current plan which does not provide the funding will not be sustainable for the other kids as well as for this college senior. </p>
<p>I think the best you can do now is give the college (of the senior) the info they have requested…if you can meet them in person, do so. While you have provided them with your documentation, bring copies with you…just in case. Hopefully it will work out.</p>
<p>Then…you need a plan for the OTHER two college students (you did say you have three in college) unless there costs are already covered. </p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>
<p>I thought Dad paid off a semester?</p>
<p>Why did the court order you to take out loans?</p>
<p>I’m no lawyer but I doubt a court could “order” someone to take out loans, but it’s possible that was a suggestion. The problem is that is sounds like this one , for some reason made three years ago perhaps when things were different, is at an expensive college, and a senior and the parent does not have the money and cannot get the money and is short $14,000 for this student to complete senior year.</p>