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by Pikie from Willoughby, OH

Last Post 114 days, 12 hours Ago


Free money for college
Jun 4, 2007 | 7:36 AM
Category: News
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Can anyone out there please tell me if a person can go to college for free if one parent has died and the other is disabled.  My stepson just graduated high school and was told that he can go to college for free by a friend who works at Lake Erie College because his mother is dead and his father is on disability.  His grades are only so-so (C average).   He hasn't as of yet applied for any loans, etc. & he thinks he's going to OSU.

Any info on this would be appreciated.

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Member Comments Total Comments: 14
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KLOCKONE read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2007 | 8:37 AM

He is probably eligible for grants and finacial aid. The only drawback is that he will be in debt ,for the majority of his life. If he really wants to attend college, he should explore his options.However,if he has a passion or special interest,he should try to follow his dreams. There are so many opportunities available.
girlscout read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2007 | 8:57 AM

Check with a counselor at his high school - they should be able to find out this information for you.
gorbash81 read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2007 | 9:04 AM

Community College would probably be a good option for a C average student, Cuyahaga Community College is the best in this area, its better than Lorain CC. Community Colleges are cheaper, on average 300 to 400 dollars a class, and have payment plans to go along with financial aid. Tri-C has flexible class schedules of Nights and Weekends for most if not all primary prerequisite classes. If he wants to go to a 4 years school, then he may want to consider a State/Public school, which is second cheapest, and usually easier to get in for a C average student.
klh1886 read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2007 | 9:13 AM

The thing that strikes me about some of these children is the fact they think they can go to college with little or no effert to get there. Then if the parent doesn't fork out for an attempt of an education of these mediocre or less children they get angry and blame the parents for there lack of the ability to go to college. If the parent does give in and pay, the majority of these children end up dropping out. The only thing I can tell you is let the child bare the brunt of the financial end. They can get pay as you go loans. It's more of an incentive if it's there $ on the line. Then if they are really trying and prove they are really doing it the parent has the option if possible to help pay some of the costs AFTER the grades come out.
mermalina26 read my blog
Jun 4, 2007 | 1:09 PM

LCCC is an excellent and one of the best community colleges out there. I have my two year degree from them, they are priced well and have the Partnership program for bachelor's and master's degrees with 10 different state colleges. They also offer a lot of evening and weekend classes. I didn't make the best grades in high school so community college was the best option
girlscout read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2007 | 1:30 PM

klh is right. If a student gets a "full ride" from his/her parents, they have no "sweat equity" in striving for good grades. But when they take out loans, they know they have to make their studying worthwhile, so that their hard-earned money is well spent.
Pikie read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2007 | 1:50 PM

Thank you all for your imput. Yes, we made the recommendation to go to community college--Lakeland Community college, right here in Kirtland. He wants to go to OSU because his best friend is already there, but he wasn't accepted at the main campus because of his grades---he was accepted at the extension in Mansfield.

My question was the "free" part. I've never heard that you can go to college 100% paid for with mediocre grades just because your mother is dead & father is on disability & has no money. I think someone is filling his head with s---. I need to be able to tell him that he needs a plan be because there is no such thing as a free ride, but I'm not sure about the "free" college under those circumstances.

Does anyone know for sure?????
Jenna13marino read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2007 | 2:11 PM

Free no, but he should be able to get a few more grants than your average Joe. Especially if the parent was in the armed forces (war orphans fund) Seeing as how they go on what the parents make per year, the less one makes the more they are able to recieve. Filling out the FASFA very early helps a bunch too. They have more money to give out in the beginning than towards the normal filing times believe it or not. Have ya tried "the google" lol If you type in disabled parents college grants or orphaned college grants you may find what you are looking for. Oh and by the way, if the child was a ward of the state, the state will pay a large chunck of tuition through a grant program they have. Hope that helps a little!
0ROARK read my blog
Jun 4, 2007 | 3:03 PM

A lot of colleges will accept a student with at least a 2.5 grade point average. A FAFSA is required before ANYTHING. This government form is the only way to find out what kind of funding you will be eligible for. I highly recommend a Community College to start (less expensive) in case it really not for him and he changes his mind. And taking your basic classes there saves a lot of money and it's just as good.
Pikie read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2007 | 5:14 PM

Thanks jenna13. I just googled like you said and I got the answer. You can't go to college for free no matter what the circumstances. I can't believe someone told him that. I knew in my heart that nothing is free, so I'm going to tell him to google, just like I did.

Thanks everyone!
Jenna13marino read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2007 | 6:10 PM

I'm glad that "the google" hehe helped you out. You would be surprised at the amount of grant money available to any one person. You just gotta know how to look for it. It is a L O N G process but it can be worth it!
jclguru read my blog
Jun 5, 2007 | 12:58 AM

Check with CouponGuy, there's probably a coupon
out there :)
girlscout read my blog view my photos
Jun 5, 2007 | 8:16 AM

Too funny, guru!
abc123funtimes view my photos
Jun 5, 2007 | 8:47 AM

My nephew had a chance to go to college but chose not to. His mother my sister had died about 6 years ago. He could have gone to a college for free. I really don't know which one but it could of been a local one. This is what I was told by my mom.
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Pikie

Loves children, animals, and special needs people.

Member Since: 10/24/2006


 

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