Best loan option for just living expenses

Started by tpath11
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tpath11

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So since i'm going to an in state public school, my parents said they would be able to help me cover my tuition, so all I have to worry about is living expenses. I will be going to school in a pretty small town and will keep a part time job of just 10 hrs a week at my university so i'll get about $300 a month from that. Basically, I need about 700 a month to cover the rest of my expenses. over 3 years, that's about 26k i'll need. What's the best place to take a loan for that? i'm not sure if most places will want me to take a loan to cover that plus my tuition?
 
So since i'm going to an in state public school, my parents said they would be able to help me cover my tuition, so all I have to worry about is living expenses. I will be going to school in a pretty small town and will keep a part time job of just 10 hrs a week at my university so i'll get about $300 a month from that. Basically, I need about 700 a month to cover the rest of my expenses. over 3 years, that's about 26k i'll need. What's the best place to take a loan for that? i'm not sure if most places will want me to take a loan to cover that plus my tuition?

If you haven't already, definitely speak with your financial aid office. They should be able to answer any questions you may have and give you some advice. Housing (or room and board) are a part of your indirect COA (cost of attendance).

Personally, after doing a lot of research and seeking mentorship, I feel that government loans are the way to go. They have the most flexibility in terms of repayment and you are less likely to run into issues if you reach a financial hardship at anytime in the future while paying off your loan. The money is first disbursed to your school to pay any unpaid tuition, etc and then the rest is disbursed to you (since your tuition should be covered, you should be able to obtain the full amount). Only take out what you'll need because graduate student loans accrue interest during school.

With the amount you are looking to take out, you should be good with just the Direct unsubsidized loan. Reach out to your financial aid office, but here's a link to give you more info: Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

Hope this helps and best of luck!