How do I afford college?

How are middle class and poor people going to afford college if financial aid stops raising with tuition hikes?

• College tuition is going up almost EVERYWHERE. and in case you havent noticed, economy aint looking too good. I get msot of my money from financial aid and work work part time. I ahev a schoalrship but that doesnt cover a lot. Mu tuition has gone up (and im a commuter) and many others, but financiala id has gone down. So how in ana economy liek this will student be able to afford a future and study to do what they love if they don't have or get the money? Hey, i would even be willing to go to work full time and school part time IF I COULD AFFORD IT!!! Part time students get no money from FAFSA, and banks are giving out less loans, so how will I afford to finish my degree when ima on year one already, I'm a freshmen in computer scinece, i love it, but i dont wanna stop, but im notr ich either :(

• Answer:

  The current situation is untenable, and there is going to be significant political backlash on this very soon. Look at the definition of a full time student. Back in the day, you could sign up for a 15 credit load, get full financial aid, but then drop down to 12 credits after 8 weeks by dropping a class. You can work half time and take a 12 credit load. It ain't easy, but lots of us have done it. If that angle still works, I'd recommend you give it a try as long as some of the aid is grants. If you go with loans only, you would rack up a larger tuition debt, which may not be wise. Just have to do the math I guess.