Why has the government not reviewed the process for financial aid?

Question

The criteria for determining dependence has long been an issue for myself as well as a number of other students I know. A lot of our parents are not in a finacial situation that allows them to assisit us with school. Further more a lot of student sare taking on the responsibilty of paying for school reguardless of the finacial situation. Please understand that by no means am I knocking student parents and no way at all am I trying to dismiss the students without a parental role, but I am saying that regular full time students need more help.

Most of us have to work full-time nights since we are going to school during the day and thats if we are lucky enough to find a job offering full time night to a student.

It is hard! And the limits on loans do not help. We understand the reason for it, but if we have to pay it back why bother?

I am just looking for some discussion and understanding. I ahve come to my wits end and don't know what else to do?

Comments & opinions are welcomed!

Answer 1

The government isnt here to give you a free ride. If you do not want to work apply for scholarships. A loan is a loan, if you do not want to get one because you have to pay it back, look at it as an investment for your future. Just remember that the best way to succeed is through an education. And i reiterate, the government isnt here to give you a free ride.

Answer 2

First of all, if it were easy everyone would do it and no one would need it.  I worked 2 jobs in college 30+ hours a week and took 15 credit hours each semester.  I survived and so will you!!

Second, it does frighten me that the cost of college has increased so much (esp in the past 15 years).  I'm not that old.... but when I was in college working 30+ hours a week, I was only earning $3.35 an hour.  How much are you making?  If it's double that, them maybe the cost of college doubling in that time isn't ALL that bad.  Something to think about, seriously!!!  (no I never had to walk to school uphill in the snow both ways- lol)

Keeping limits on federal loans is something I feel very strongly about.  As long as you have state schools (yes, prob most of these are community colleges) you can attend completely under the federal loan limits, then I'm happy.  When the cost gets more that that - then I think it would be time to up the limits.  I have just seen too many folks graduating or dropping out with debts of 150K for a degree in underwater nuclear basket weaving NOT feel this way.

Finally,  Financial aid ppl all over the country for YEARS have asked for these "designations" (because it sure isn't accurate terminology) be reviewed time and time again.  Can you imagine having a job that you have to explain 40 times a day that you have to have your parents income if you are under 24? No matter what? Even if you don't agree with it?  No, it doesn't matter if you don't live with them.  No it doesn't matter if they aren't contributing to your education.  No it doesn't....  (Some folks might  go insane.)

Trust me, they are trying....

and don't even get me started about ppl having to go through all the trouble of providing the tax info despite the govt already having it on file and even checking it to make sure it's correct.  Wouldn't it save a heck of a lot of trouble to PREFILL those areas?  

Sheesh... if only our opinions mattered.

Good luck.

Answer 3

because they are too busy hemorrhaging money in a desert wasteland