Hi Christopher,

Education.com offers a special edition on this topic that has a variety of ideas for you to explore (including loans, scholarships, ways to save, and lower cost alternatives)...

http://www.education.com/topic/college-financial-planning/

Hope this is helpful to you!

Hi Christopher,

I think finaid.org is a great site.  I send a lot of my own clients to it.

John
www.toptenskills.com

Hi Christopher.  I understand how fustrating this can be.  I was unable to go to college because I was living at home with my parents, and the EFC figure (the Expected Family Contribution) figure was too high to qualify for any kind of student loan, much less any kind of grant. This was years and years ago, before the Internet and ways to search for multiple scholarships. My suggestion to you would be to live on your OWN for a full year, and work a full-time job doing ANYTHING, and a part-time job such as a waiter or job where you get tips. Work 7 days a week if you have to.  Isn't college worth giving up hanging out with friends on the weekends?  

Then, Go to Roommates.com or Yahoo to find 1,2, guys living in a rental and you share, divide all the bills. Live in a dumpy place, college area, who cares?  Your parents can help with cash if possible.  Stash away all your earnings cash in a safety deposit box in the bank or with your parents.  Don't let anyone know how much money you have saved anywhere or in any accounts your parents may have in your name.  Big no-no.  THEN after the year is up, try applying for Financial Aide and Pell Grants, etc. as an INDEPENDENT adult at age 19.  The financial aide will then be based on YOU alone, not your PARENTS. Based on your meager earnings alone and the meager amount you may sitting in a checking account (no savings account, please - hide that).

If I had done this, I would have gotten financial aide, and I would have been able to go to college. My parents did not offer a dime to help me.

Here is a link that was very helpful when my son was looking for college money:

http://www.how2winscholarships.com

Good luck!  :)

Hi Christopher,
There are a number of websites that offer information regarding funding your college education.  I am listing three sources that I am sure you will find helpful.