Unfortunately, federal aid isn’t distributed on whether your parents want to pay for your education; it all depends on whether they can. Parents have many reasons for not contributing to their child’s education: can’t afford it; it’s the child’s responsibility; sticky divorce.
Regardless of your parents’ reasons, however, the federal government’s opinion is this: paying for a college education is the parents’ primary responsibility. The government only steps in if it is impossible for the parents to pay up. And the only way to deem it impossible is to fill out the FAFSA. Good news: it’s not too late. Bad news: You still need to convince your parents to fill out a FAFSA.
Even if you don’t qualify for need-based aid, filling out the FAFSA automatically qualifies students for an unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Yes, “loan” may be an icky word, but a federal government loan is the best loan opportunity that you will be presented with in your lifetime. The interest rates are low and the payment plans make it easier for recent graduates to pay off their debt in a timely manner.
Also, by filling out the FAFSA, students may even qualify for subsidized Stafford and Perkins Loans as well as Pell Grants, which are even better.
Having trouble convincing the parents? Pitch the idea from the angle that they don’t have to help financially, but they can do you this huge favor. Additionally, it’s not a bad idea to go to your school’s financial aid office and present them with your situation. Perhaps they can pull some strings or talk good old Mom and Dad into helping with professional reason. Still not budging?
Check out these other tips on convincing your parents to help this one last time.
by Kathryn Knight, Admissions.com Staff Writer
No comments:
Post a Comment