I haven't received a financial aid letter yet because I just filed my fafsa yesterday. I did speak with a lady in the financial aid office today. She said the absolute most I would be getting in aid (if I qualify, which I should) would be $17500 for spring and summer (8750 a semester). I will have to apply again in the fall for another $17500. This barely covers cost of tuition, not to mention we have books, uniforms, supplies, etc to pay for as well. That being said, I have been racking my brain and researching private loan options for living expenses. Turns out nobody really wants to lend money above what the cost of tuition is, unless your school can prove it (which I asked and South will not). Most private lenders (banks and credit unions) require that you have proof of income before they will give you a loan. However, I have found one option that sounds the best so far. Wells Fargo offers a loan called the Education Connection Loan and the funds come directly to you, not the school. You can pretty much request any amount you need. There is a 2% origination fee, meaning that if you borrow $10,000 the total loan amount would be $10,200. There are no other fees. You have to have a cosigner with reasonably good credit. Payments are deferred until 6 mo after graduation. Interest rates are variable ranging from 3.5%-12% (credit has a lot to do with it). The number to call is 866-380-1727 if you're interested. I'm still researching options, but this sounds the best so far. I had no idea this process would be so hard. Hope this brings you help.