Quote Originally Posted by Owlie View Post
Catrin, that sucks!

Dear master's program and financial aid system--
Your whole intent is to leave me broke, isn't it? $12,000 a year, not including books and living expenses. I don't have that kind of money. Unfortunately, my parents were far too conscientious about saving money for my education. So it's not like I have no money...meaning I get no financial aid apart from federal loans, and will graduate with a master's degree, no money, no real job prospects, and in debt. (I wonder what would happen if I blew all my savings on a car...)

For my end goals, this is probably the best thing to do. It's not the smart thing to do.
Owlie, can you go to an in-state school? It's very much worth it to not end up in debt after graduation. In the end, it doesn't so much matter where you went to school as much as it matters what you can do for your employer.

Also, they cannot count your parent's income since you are an independent student (all grad students are considered independent from parents for financial aid purposes. At least that's how it worked when I was a financial aid counselor at a large university).