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can one borrow each year?

Depends on you. Your school will have to approve any additional borrowing, and there are federal guidelines as to what qualifies you for more.

None, except possibly for dependents (spouse and/or kids), extraordinary medical expenses, or for a computer during 1L.

im_blue wrote:None, except possibly for dependents (spouse and/or kids), extraordinary medical expenses, or for a computer during 1L.

This isn't right I don't think. They allow you loans for cost of living, I thought it was something like 25,000 per year.

sdlaw wrote:

im_blue wrote:None, except possibly for dependents (spouse and/or kids), extraordinary medical expenses, or for a computer during 1L.

This isn't right I don't think. They allow you loans for cost of living, I thought it was something like 25,000 per year.

Cost of living in included in "total estimated cost" with most schools.

sdlaw wrote:

im_blue wrote:None, except possibly for dependents (spouse and/or kids), extraordinary medical expenses, or for a computer during 1L.

This isn't right I don't think. They allow you loans for cost of living, I thought it was something like 25,000 per year.

COL is included in estimated total COA, it differs by school.

im_blue wrote:None, except possibly for dependents (spouse and/or kids), extraordinary medical expenses, or for a computer during 1L.

Not true

If your rent is more and you give them a copy of the lease you can get an increase. If you spend more on utilities than they say you can provide a copy and they will increase (phone + cable + internet included). You are generally allowed $1000 for documented interview expenses (new suits or travel expenses etc). You can get up to $3000 for a computer (but you can get this by just claiming you are getting a new computer). If books cost more than the budget you can get more for that. Its a pretty flexible process as long as you're willing to do the paperwork.

Georgiana wrote:

im_blue wrote:None, except possibly for dependents (spouse and/or kids), extraordinary medical expenses, or for a computer during 1L.

Not true

If your rent is more and you give them a copy of the lease you can get an increase. If you spend more on utilities than they say you can provide a copy and they will increase (phone + cable + internet included). You are generally allowed $1000 for documented interview expenses (new suits or travel expenses etc). You can get up to $3000 for a computer (but you can get this by just claiming you are getting a new computer). If books cost more than the budget you can get more for that. Its a pretty flexible process as long as you're willing to do the paperwork.

WoW! Thanks...this is very helpful.

Also, you're free to take out as many private loans as you can get approved for. Your going to have a higher interest rate, though.

Kiersten1985 wrote:Also, you're free to take out as many private loans as you can get approved for. Your going to have a higher interest rate, though.

Plus, if you use private loans you can kiss most LRAP programs goodbye (and IBR).

.

Kiersten1985 wrote:Also, you're free to take out as many private loans as you can get approved for. Your going to have a higher interest rate, though.

Does anyone have any links to these loans?

Does anyone have any idea how long it takes for a budget appeal to be approved by the school? I submitted a budget appeal to my school at the end of last month, but I have not received an answer from them regarding approval. As for how much more I requested, I have a mortgage, so I requested an increase due to that, as well as an increase for child care expenses, purchase of a laptop computer and actual utilities that I pay for my home. The school told me 10 business days, but it has been nearly 4 weeks and I haven't received an approval yet, only a letter saying that they have received my appeal request and are reviewing it and I should hear back shortly, and that was nearly 2 weeks ago.

Any help/insight would be great! Thanks.

Nevermind. Just found out today the school approved pretty much everything I asked for in the appeal. Yay!