Feeling stressed by college decision and finances

[Anonymous]

While we have some money saved for DC, we will need to cash flow a significant portion of college costs. One parent's job is tenuous due to government cuts. We're having a hard time deciding how much we should allow this to impact DC's college choice. If our jobs were stable any of their options would be ok. Anyone else in a similar boat?

[Anonymous]

Did you apply for financial aid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did you apply for financial aid?

Yes, and we received some merit and some need-based merit from different schools based off 2023 tax returns. I know you can appeal iid there is a job loss, but I've heard it's not that easy...need to be out of work for at least six months, etc.

[Anonymous]

We are still a couple years out but in a similar position. Hopefully things will have stabilized by the time DC has to make a decision, but if not, it will definitely impact where DC applies and attends - with 2 years at CC before transferring to a 4-year school definitely on the table.

[Anonymous]

Need-based grants I mean

[Anonymous]

Is this for this year? Can you reach out to the financial aid office?
Just have to say that I’m sorry this is happening to your family and livelihood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this for this year? Can you reach out to the financial aid office?
Just have to say that I’m sorry this is happening to your family and livelihood.

Sorry, just saw update that it’s this year.

[Anonymous]

Help your student understand the finances. If they choose the cheaper school, and you aren't impacted by gov't cuts, promise to earmark the $20k (or whatever amount) difference in school price each year, and put it aside for your student after college on a house/car.

[Anonymous]

Definitely consider the new financial changes or you will be struggling for four years or more. The devastation Trump has caused to the economy affects many of us even without an immediate job loss. Even our lower risks have taken a hit so our level of comfort has dramatically changed in a short time period for absolutely no good reason.

[Anonymous]

DC is going to community college. Not paying $30k+ for years 1 and 2.

[Anonymous]

I hear you, but difficult to make a decision on what "might" happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hear you, but difficult to make a decision on what "might" happen.

True, but would hate for DC to not be able to finish where they start.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Help your student understand the finances. If they choose the cheaper school, and you aren't impacted by gov't cuts, promise to earmark the $20k (or whatever amount) difference in school price each year, and put it aside for your student after college on a house/car.

Interesting idea

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is going to community college. Not paying $30k+ for years 1 and 2.

Logical though I know many CC students who intend to get a bachelors get waylaid.

[Anonymous]

We’re taking into account finances - no full pay schools on the table even though we can technically afford it. Not federal employees but both our jobs are in jeopardy right now and want to be able to ride out potential unemployment. I would check with whatever school your kid chooses about FA and what would happen if a job loss happened while DC was in school. Don’t relay on what you see posted on the internet - call the schools and ask. I think a lot of families are in a similar boat.