Am I doing something wrong? (college, loans, etc)?
Question:
Am I doing something wrong by paying almost all of my tuition through loans?
I hope someone can answer this because I am really distraught. Should I have attended a community college for the first two years? Should I not be going to college because I don't have the money?
By the way, I am going for Aerospace Engineering...
Answer:
Stay at Penn State because it is one of the best schools in the state. I'm a sophomore at Penn State in Harrisburg right now. Alot of people pay through loans when they are in college. It's important to pay that back though. I commute so my tuition is less than that and yearly its about 11,000. I am also from Pennsylvania so I think that has something to do with it.
Loans are based on your credit score and if you are able to pay them back. More than likely I am guessing that they are in your parents names. You are one of the lucky one who has parents that are able to pay back the loans. Most students who end up taking out loans, have work study programs or have to get jobs with good pay in order to pay for their tuition.
You aren't in over your head! I think main campus costs more because its harder to get into if you are applying straight there. I know alot of people who went to one of the branch campuses and transferred to main campus or Harrisburg's campus as that is becoming a 4 year college.
Like I said before though, you are at one of the best schools to be at at the state level and you were lucky enough to be accepted to main campus! I was told last year when I was transferring by a complete stranger that when you go to apply for a job after college, they will recognize you as a Penn State Graduate. I mean, yes you can get that with another college, but with Penn State, it just sends out a message that you were a graduate from that school. It helps in the future. and once you get used to everything, including your classes, you'll be able to get a job and that will help with paying back your loans. Here is some other ways to help pay off your loans or other ways to pay your tuition:
FAFSA Information:
http://www.psu.edu/studentaid/aidprog/ai...
Work-Study Information:
http://www.psu.edu/studentaid/aidprog/wo...
Good luck with the rest of your freshman year! Its easier until you hit sophomore year (don't let that scare you though). I noticed that the work was somewhat harder. Even getting through the entrance major classes is harder! But thats just my opinion. Sorry this is so long but I figured I'd help out another Penn State student! Have fun at penn state! :)
You aren't doing anything wrong, you are just going to have a lot to pay back. Some don't like taking that route because they will owe so much in the end. Some can't qualify for a lot of loans because of their financial situation at home. It's different for everyone. I hope you can pay them all back, because they will garnish your tax returns until you do, if you don't pay it back on time.
Clearly attending a community college for your first two years will save you money. I'd say you are in over your head right now, but the degree will hopefully pay dividends.
your doing just fine just try to be ontime with all your lones and go for it dude
well, i know that penn state is a great school for engineering and i find it hard to believe that way more people aren't paying for it though loans. while i did not take any loans out for school and was not eligible for federal financial aid, i knew a lot of people who were paying almost entirely though loans so i don't think you are doing anything wrong. now, don't get me wrong, you are going to be in a lot of debt when you graduate but i also know someone who went there for engineering and she got a GREAT, good paying job upon graduation. work hard, look for and apply for some scholarships and all will be fine!
You are doing the right thing. Engineering is a good field. Make sure you take advantage of internships and co-ops. Be prepared to relocate for the right position though. I am a recruiter and the people I see who try to stay in one location are the people who have to settle for less money and a "job" not a career. Make sure to keep up to date on the latest technology in your field.
I had to take out loans for college despite several scholarships. I believe that furthering your education is one thing for which you should not feel guilty about incurring debt. Usually student loans have a lower interest rate and give the student a grace period after graduation before they have to start paying it off . The idea is that once you have your degree, in the long run, the student loans should more than pay for themselves. If student loans are the only way that you can attend college, I say go for it, and do your best and it will definitely be worth it. I know I don't regret having to take out loans for much of my education. It has definitely paid off. There are just some people who are not willing to take out loans for school or who feel they shouldn't, but if you are serious about your schooling, it should pay off. Hope this helps! p.s. I got a dual degree in accounting and economics.
$21,000 a year times four years. That's $84,000 in loans... plus interest.
Do you really want to graduate $84,000 in debt from an undergraduate degree alone?
Sure, anyone credit worthy can borrow money, but at some point, you have to think to yourself.. is this undergraduate degree seriously worth $100,000+ (after interest accrued before you pay it off)? How long will it take you to pay it off, realisticly? Don't forget about the other expenses that will come up in life- rent/mortgages, health/health insurance, dental, cars, etc.
It's not about desire or being "able" to borrow your way through school. It's being realistic. It takes a frickin' long time to pay back $100,000 plus interest accrued... ONLY for an UNDERGRADUATE degree.
It's not that you shouldn't have gone to college. It's that you should have gone to a school where you could have received financial aide (grants or tuiton waivers).
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