Any Student financial aid gurus out there?

[The Saltman]

im fine with that. I just need the loan so I dont have to pay anything until I graduate.

[CLTPanther]

Yea, basically the number represents how much you can afford to pay back and that's what they base it off of. You used this years tax return for your application and not last years right?

[The Saltman]

I had to use 2009 for 2010 ofcourse. But I did the 2011 by accident and my 2010 tax returns have considerably lower income numbers so my efc is a lot lower.

[SgtJoo]

This is slightly on topic...

Anyone know any private lenders that won't completely screw me on interest rates? My Stafford loans alone ain't cuttin it.

[CLTPanther]

federal loan is the only one with a decent rate unless you got very good credit

[SgtJoo]

federal loan is the only one with a decent rate unless you got very good credit

I have no credit at all. I'd have to get my parents to cosign and their credit isn't terrible but it isn't stellar.

[Epistaxis]

What they said.

Keep in mind I've been out for a loooooong time, but I recall the Stafford process involving having a pulse and a signature.

Anything above what they cover very much depends on the individual institution.

The stuff in-house was much more affordable than the private stuff.

The school would much rather avoid a middleman and keep a bigger chunk of your dough.

My 2 cents, worth what you paid for it.

[CLTPanther]

I have no credit at all. I'd have to get my parents to cosign and their credit isn't terrible but it isn't stellar.

The feds don't check your credit, only your ability to pay back the loan based on tax filings. Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ click get started and see what it allows for you.

[The Saltman]

He just said the Stafford ain't cutting it.

[CLTPanther]

Well I didn't go to school to be able to learn to read. Try grants. Some you can get based on income, others based on existing GPA, etc.

[SgtJoo]

The feds don't check your credit, only your ability to pay back the loan based on tax filings. Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ click get started and see what it allows for you.

I don't have a job so my tax filing is going to show an income of 0 dollars.

They also ask for my parent's tax info to calculate EFC and since my parents combine for >100,000 I doubt I'll get anything other than Stafford loans again. They also claim me on their taxes so I can't really file independently, I think?

Edit: My earlier question pertains to private loans really. I feel as if I go down that route I'm going to get screwed by interest rates anyway... but I don't really have a choice.