Hubby is a MSII and at a private school. It costs almost $30,000 but we have been able to live off financial aid for the last 2 years. We have enough to have some fun and buy some extras, but we do have to be careful. I am able to stay home with our baby, which has been wonderful!
We just get the stafford loans but there are others available if you need them.
The key is to live somewhere that is relatively cheap to live if you can. We are in Kirksville, MO which is cheap and in the middle of nowhere!
It would have been more difficult if we tried to live in CA and we would have had to get some of the other loans available. Also, we started med school with no car debt, credit card debt, etc. We had some school loans....but those you can defer.
Also, many med students families take advantage of some of the state assistance that is available - food stamps, healthcare (especially for children!), WIC, etc.
Trust me, you will be paying more then enough in taxes in the future to pay for whatever help you get from the state!! And if a little extra aid lets your hubby stay at home......please consider using it!
Many students won't talk about it......but many use it.
If you have any questions, let me know.
With smiles,
Rebecca aka Wifty
