The best laid plans of the college bound often go awry.
One answer became clear: There is no one size fits all.
Probably not as good as youd like.
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It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
They answered 15 questions about paying for college this fall.
Did you know?
What if my familys financial situation has changed?
Thats not typically the way it works.
Should I resubmit FAFSA?
TheFree software for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, determines your expected family contribution (EFC).
Resubmitting your FAFSA doesnt do much good the 2017 numbers havent changed.
Youre better off filing an appeal that updates the financial aid office with your current income.
Shouldnt my tuition be reduced if classes are only online?
Maybe, maybe not.
That hasnt stoppedstudents across the country from filing lawsuitsdemanding refunds for their spring semester when classes went virtual.
So you have every right to make the argument for a discount just expect resistance.
Students might get some money from the schools to entice them to stick around, he said.
I dont think theyre going to give you a ton more, but maybe an extra couple grand.
Can I negotiate with my college for a better price?
Its a bit unlikely, considering many colleges are facing shortfalls themselves.
Can I get my out-of-state tuition reduced if Im taking classes online?
Should I switch to a cheaper/online school?
Can I take a gap year?
Ah, the gap year.
Many schools deadlines for requesting a gap year are quickly approaching.
Im considering taking a year off.
How does this affect my student loans from previous years?
Then it becomes, are they ever going to go back?
I turned down loans in my financial aid offer.
Can I change my mind?
Any scholarships, grants and work-study options you turned down may not be available, though.
Contact your financial aid office to ask them what you better do to accept the loans.
I heard colleges were getting CARES Act money.
Can I get some of that?
What if my work-study job is unavailable this fall?
What if I dont want to go to college any longer?
Can I get a refund?
Are there any other places I can look for money?
If you never filled out the FAFSA, do that first.
Also look outside the school.
Corporations, professional associations and local organizations often offer grants and scholarships for students pursuing degrees in related fields.
I didnt get a stimulus check because my parents claimed me as a dependent.
Is there any way for me to get that money?
Its unlikely youll see any stimulus money this year.
With the tax deadline of July 15, its likely your parents have already filed their return.
However, there may be a way for you to get your hands on the money.
By declaring your (tax-related) independence.
But youre not going to see that stimulus check until next year, 2021.
Ive exhausted my other options, but Ive heard horror stories about student loan debt.
Should I accept a student loan anyways?
Its an automatic, fully funded emergency fund for you.
But well save repayment planning foranother story.
Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a staff writer/editor at The Penny Hoarder.
Readher bio and other work here, then catch her on Twitter @TiffanyWendeln.
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