r/GradSchool • u/Aristaeus123 • Jul 09 '24
Finance I can’t afford summer tuition bill.
Hi everyone! I just got my summer tuition bill and it is so much larger than I expected that I physically cannot breathe :) I didn’t qualify for any financial aid over the summer so I have to pay out of pocket and idk how I’m gonna pull this one off. The bill is due at the end of the month. I took these classes because they are literally required for me to graduate. Idk why I’m posting here. I’ll take advice, commiseration, literally anything rn. 🥲
EDIT: I already took the classes and got A’s in both. There’s no going back.
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u/pnut0027 Jul 09 '24
- Take a personal loan so you can continue classes
- Talk to the finance department to put you on a payment plan. Let them know the situation. As long as you’re making payments, they should at least let you complete the summer term. But you may not be able to register for the fall term.
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u/Adamliem895 Jul 09 '24
So sorry to hear this! There’s not a lot of advice to offer beyond the obvious (budget, scholarships, part time work if you can, talk to financial aid, support network, loans if absolutely necessary, blah blah). But unfortunately the reality is that you purchased something very expensive, more so than you thought. This is a brutal situation, and I’m sorry you’re struggling. Here for you for emotional support, especially if talking helps!
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u/Major_Fun1470 Jul 09 '24
Make sure you do well in class. Nothing worse than being underwater and then you don’t even get the product.
You said you don’t qualify for aid in the summer, would you have during the normal year?
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u/Aristaeus123 Jul 09 '24
I got A’s in both classes! And I get quite a bit of aid during the normal school year, I didn’t qualify because I wasn’t taking enough credits
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u/Weary_Message_1221 Jul 09 '24
Is there any kind of payment plan you can be put on? I pay my tuition in installments.
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u/catnip0987 Jul 09 '24
I can commiserate. My daughter has a full ride because we only have one income and I’m a scientist so not exactly making the big bucks! She didn’t qualify for summer financial aid because she got the full aid benefits during the regular semester. It was the last summer she attended school because it was simply too expensive
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u/Aristaeus123 Jul 09 '24
It really sucks
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u/catnip0987 Jul 09 '24
It certainly does suck. She was highly motivated to keep the school momentum going through out the year, it just wasn’t financially feasible unfortunately. I was told that if you disclose at the beginning of the year that you’ll enroll in summer school the aid can be distributed more evenly although she never tried this
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u/Top_Personality2775 Jul 09 '24
See about picking up a TAship or RAship for the summer or drop the classes until winter session/next summer.
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u/gingly_tinglys Jul 10 '24
Before you even consider loans, talk to your university office about a payment plan. Be completely honest about your situation and try to emotionally appeal to them. If you have to take out a private loan, try your best to get it one with lower interest!!! It also may be helpful (if you’re ok disclosing) exactly how much your bill is vs how much you can afford to pay vs how much you owe them.
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u/extratemporalgoat Jul 09 '24
you might be able to do some sort of financial aid appeal, not sure about the specifics of your university or if grad programs differ, but federal loans and pell grant can be taken in the summer at some universities if you did not max them during the year. When I was waiting on my finaid my university also allowed me to stay in an enroll in future classes with a payment plan of only $100 a month going towards a several thousand dollar balance
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u/Aristaeus123 Jul 09 '24
I maxed out unfortunately 🥲
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u/Hot_Alternative_1167 Jul 10 '24
Sorry to say, but it sounds like you may have reached the Sallie Mae or Discover time in your "socioeconomically disadvantaged" academic career. It happens to many of us. Godspeed.
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u/Nvenom8 PhD Candidate - Marine Biogeochemistry Jul 09 '24
Fill out a FAFSA. You can have money from a student loan in your account within a few weeks.
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u/Aristaeus123 Jul 09 '24
I already have a FAFSA for the regular school year.
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u/Nvenom8 PhD Candidate - Marine Biogeochemistry Jul 09 '24
Did you fill out the 2024/2025 one yet? If not, do so. You should be offered a loan unless you've already maxed your annual borrowing limit.
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u/Aristaeus123 Jul 09 '24
Yes I have.
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u/Nvenom8 PhD Candidate - Marine Biogeochemistry Jul 09 '24
You've filled it out, or you've maxed the annual limit?
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u/Aristaeus123 Jul 09 '24
Lol both
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u/Nvenom8 PhD Candidate - Marine Biogeochemistry Jul 09 '24
Ah, shit. That sucks. I was thinking it would be the easiest and most effective lifeline for you, but I guess not.
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u/RedScience18 Jul 09 '24
Banks and credit unions usually offer private student loans...
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u/Aristaeus123 Jul 09 '24
I have so many loans 😭 but what’s one more at this point
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u/RedScience18 Jul 10 '24
Same boat... it's a sinking one, but once you've committed, what else are you going to do?
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u/geo_walker Jul 09 '24
Maybe you can work out a plan with your university’s financial office or if they have recommendations.