If you can’t go to school any other way, then take out the loans, but DON’T do a private loan, go to your schools financial aid office and see if you have maxed out your federal loan amounts there. (If you are going to a community college you probably have not. Often times the clerks have to be prompted to give you these amounts and when you ask they will simply say, “Only borrow what you need.”)

If you maxed out your subsidized loan amounts then ask for an unsubsidized loan as well. This will be a cheaper option for you and better terms than any private loan out there. Once you get to class, maybe you could find a RT room mate. Just an idea…

Good Luck!

Attached is a publication on loan maximums and minimums.