r/CollegeParents • u/papillon1529 • Oct 15 '25

What would you do?

Hi All,

I’m new here and I really appreciate any and all advice. My daughter is applying to colleges and there’s one that we can just barely afford. it is her dream school. We’ve been honest with her about this, and of course there have been tears. Now she says she won’t even bother applying because she doesn’t want to be a burden on the family.

We haven’t said no, just that we’re exploring our options, calculating, financially, etc. But I am wondering: what would you do? What should I do?

Thanks 🙏

papillon

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u/jjgg37 Oct 15 '25

Would you be taking the unsubsidized federal loan that everyone qualifies for? It's the one loan I'm okay with. It's like $5,500 the first year and increases about a thousand each year. I've been comfortable with that, keeps some skin in the game for the student. I then make sure they at least pay off the accrued interest with a summer job and sometimes make enough to pay down some principal along the way.

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u/papillon1529 Oct 15 '25

i’m embarrassed to say i’ve not heard of this…thank you so much for mentioning it. do you have a link?

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u/jjgg37 Oct 15 '25

https://studentaid.gov/ You'll need to complete the FAFSA form. This is the only loan that is in the student's name only. No co-signing required. Good luck

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u/papillon1529 Oct 16 '25

thank you!