How did you do it? How did you go back to school while supporting yourself?

Question

I can't figure out how to make rent if I go back to school and finish my degree.

I don't have a lot of expenses (I own my car and have manageable credit card balances), but I like having a roof over my head and eating regularly.

Who did you contact?

How EXACTLY did you fund it? (don't tell me "get a scholarship". Where did you get YOUR scholarships?)

Answer 1

I received scholarships from my school, took out student loans and I had a job

Answer 2

I took out student loans. Although I had a grad assistantship that covered my tuition, the monthly stipend of $700 was not enough to cover my living expenses (rent alone was $600). I applied by completing the FAFSA form online and was approved for about $5000 in subsidized loans and $5000 in unsubsidized loans for the academic year. Subsidized means that the government pays your interest while you are enrolled fulltime in college. After covering my student fees and books that I had charged at the bookstore, I received the remaining balance of the fall loan ($5000) a couple of weeks after the semester began. I paid my rent in advance and used the rest for utilities and other expenses.

You have to start paying your loans back about  6 months after you stop taking classes fulltime (even if you don't graduate).

Right now I have finished most of my coursework so I am working fulltime and taking 1-2 classes a semester.

Answer 3

College is about sacrificing what you are for what you can become.  

Meaning, most of those who "make it" in college never had a life before school.... no credit cards, no car payment, no mortgage.   Lots of adults are frustrated with this because they get used to having food on the table and a roof over the head....not all students do.

How did I do it?

1. Worked throughout high school and saved almost all of what I earned... when my friends were out buying prom dresses and clothes, I was buying CD's at the bank with what I saved.

2. Worked 2 part time jobs through last 3 years of undergrad totaling 30+ hours a week while enrolled in 15 hours.  Yes, this means I had MONTHS with not a single day off from either work or school.  Anyone who says they can't work and go to school at the same time doesn't want it bad enough.  Period.

3. Avoided Credit cards unless for a medical reason... (glasses) and never had a car payment.. (paid cash for my car).

4. Cut expenses: My rent was 125 a month... this was NOT that long ago..it was literally 50 yards from the school and I FROZE to death in the winter and had heatstroke in the summer, but I didn't get wet when it rained.  No cell phone, no computer, no internet or cable....

5. earned a couple of academic scholarships based on my GPA.  It was never enough to pay for everything so I took out student Stafford loans my last two years of undergrad and my 2 years of grad school.  Graduated with a total debt of 22K (in a span of 4 years) after earning my masters degree... which is now paid off.

(You will always have your best luck for scholarships by going directly to the school you plan on attending).

I was thankful to my parents for paying my tuition and dorm my first two years. They taught me at a very young age not to rely on anyone but yourself for money and it was not easy.... but I made it and you can to.