What To Do if Your Parents Won’t Help Pay for College

Many students feel overwhelmed by the prospect of covering four years of college, but it's even more challenging if your parents won't help pay for college. You may have a harder time qualifying for financial aid and face higher levels of debt after graduation.

Fortunately, you have options available, such as federal and private loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.

Why parents may not help pay for college

There are many different reasons parents may be unwilling or unable to contribute to your college education. In many cases, the reason is cost. Attending and living on campus at an in-state public university costs an average of $29,910 per year.

If you attend an out-of-state public university, you can expect to pay around $49,080 per year. Private universities cost the most, with an average annual cost of $62,990. Many parents don't have the financial means to cover these costs and pay for their child's living expenses.

See Also: What's the Average Cost of College?

Other parents may disagree with their student's college choice, especially if they choose to attend an expensive school. Some parents may believe that their children have to be responsible for paying for their own education.

Regardless of the reason, paying for college without parental support can impact your financial aid eligibility. If your parents don't provide their information for the FAFSA, it can prevent you from receiving federal financial aid.

Current private student loan rates

Financial aid for students without support

Federal financial aid includes funding in the form of grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. The amount of federal aid you receive is determined by the information you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA classifies borrowers as either dependent or independent students. Dependent students rely on their parents for help, while independent students support themselves. If you're a dependent student but don't provide your parents' information, you won't be eligible to receive federal student aid.

Submitting the FAFSA is the first step you should take, according to financial aid specialist at Going Merry, Bethany Hubert.

“Determine whether you're eligible to file the FAFSA as an independent student,” she recommends. “If you determine you should file as an independent student, then you won't need to include a parent contributor on your FAFSA or list their income and assets.”

Hubert adds that there are many options when it comes to financial aid for independent students, such as Pell Grants.

If you're not sure whether you qualify as an independent student, take a look at Federal Student Aid's independent student requirements.

Private scholarships and grants

The average undergraduate student received $11,610 in grant funds during the 2023-24 school year, according to the College Board. Grants, like scholarships, provide financial aid that doesn't need to be repaid.

By submitting the FAFSA, you're automatically considered for federal, state, and school-sponsored grants and scholarships. But private scholarships and grants are another valuable source of funding that many students overlook.

You can find a wide range of private scholarships online through platforms like Fastweb and Scholarships.com. Many opportunities are need-based, merit-based, or tied to local or community connections.

Holden Andrews, founder of the Helpful Home Group, says he benefited from strong academic performance: “I was on the dean's list for the majority of my time at college, which opened the door to aid that I wouldn't have had access to if I had lower grades.”

It's also worth asking your employer if they offer a scholarship program. Community organizations like Rotary International or your local Chamber of Commerce may also provide scholarships for students with no parental help.

See Also: How To Get a Scholarship for College

Student loan options

Each school year, nearly 40% of undergraduate students take out student loans to pay for college, according to the National Center of Education Statistics.

If you have to rely on student loans, it's generally a good idea to max out your federal loan options first. Federal loans come with unique benefits you won't receive with private student loans, like low, fixed interest rates, borrower protections, and potential loan forgiveness.

There are three main types of federal loans available:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: Subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA. The government pays the interest on any subsidized loans while you're in school and during your grace period, as long as you're enrolled in school at least half-time.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Unsubsidized loans are available to all students, regardless of whether or not they demonstrate financial need. You're responsible for paying any interest that accrues on the loans.
• Direct PLUS loans: PLUS loans are available to graduate and professional students.

If you can't cover the full cost of college with federal loans, private student loans can help fill in the gaps. You'll apply for private loans with a bank, credit union, or online lender.

If federal loans don't cover your full cost of college, private student loans can help fill the gap. You'll apply for these loans through a bank, credit union, or online lender.

It can be tough to qualify for a private loan on your own if you don't have a credit history — which most undergraduates don't — or if your credit score is low. In fact, about 92% of undergraduates used a cosigner to secure a private loan in the 2023-24 school year, according to Enterval Analytics.

The good news is your cosigner doesn't have to be a parent. A family member, trusted friend, or other reliable individual can cosign, but they'll need to understand the risks and responsibilities that come with it.

Learn More: Do I Need a Cosigner for a Student Loan?

Tips for reducing college costs

• Work part-time: Working during college can help offset expenses and reduce your reliance on loans. Andrews says he worked all through college to help pay for school. “I had to pay for my rent, food, tuition, and clothing,” he says. “I started off doing door-to-door sales, then I went into car sales, and this allowed me to cover a lot of my expenses.”
• Attend community college first: Starting at a community college for the first 2 years can significantly lower your overall costs. Community college tuition is substantially cheaper, with an average annual cost of $4,050 for in-district students compared to $11,610 at public four-year in-state schools, as reported by the College Board.
• Share living expenses: Living at home will allow you to avoid paying rent each month, but if this isn't an option, spend some time looking for affordable housing. Living off campus with roommates will likely be less expensive than living in the dorms.
• Buy or rent used textbooks: Textbooks can be a considerable expense each semester, so you might consider buying used textbooks for a fraction of the price or renting them from sites like Amazon or Chegg.

Explore tuition reimbursement programs: Many employers, like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Amazon, offer tuition reimbursement for their employees. These programs can cover a portion or all of your tuition costs, making them a valuable resource if you're working while in school.