When it comes to going to college, being the youngest member of a large family has its advantages and disadvantages. It may be easier for them to gain admission to schools where their siblings attend. If they are attending at the same time as the others, it is much easier for the younger student to learn the ropes and get transportation to and from school from their older brother or sister. One of the distinct disadvantages is how to pay for school. For families with three, four or more kids that have gone to college for even a few semesters each, it is often difficult for the youngest siblings to find funding.

Government Funding
The federal government has limited financial assistance for families. Often when one child uses grant or loan money, the younger ones are restricted or ineligible to receive any more. For example, the older child of two may qualify for government loans for the first two years of school, while the younger one can only receive money to cover their first semester. The reason for this is often based on the parents’ income. While the restrictions on financial aid claim that the parents are in too high an income bracket, they cannot afford to pay for two, three or four children to attend universities all at the same time, or even one after the other.

Getting Creative
As a result, the youngest needs to find additional sources of funding that have not yet been tapped. Pouring over books and websites with available private scholarships, grants, fellowships and special programs is tedious, but can sometimes yield some great finds. While they might not be a full ride, every little bit helps. First-year students are often given the most opportunities, so it is important for the youngest child to look early and often for creative funding. When more than one family member is at the same university at the same time, the school will often give a discount on tuition. Another option is for the siblings to share an off-campus apartment, rather than paying extra room and board for each to live on campus in dormitories.

Parental Assistance
In some cases, the students’ parents are able to support their college-age children in all or part of the expenses. They may have created a special college fund since each child was born and contributed to it regularly. Some parents believe that if their children are financially provided for while they are in school, they will be able to better concentrate on their studies, complete them sooner and achieve higher grades. On the other hand, some parents require their children to pay for at least part of their college education so that they will take it more seriously.

Private Loans
Sometimes the use of grants, scholarships, generosity of others and government programs are just not enough. Private loans are often the most reliable option for paying for college. It fills any gaps or can cover the full amount needed for tuition, books and housing. Parents and students alike may apply for a student loan to cover the remaining expenses. The student may need someone to co-sign the loan. It must be repaid when schooling is complete. Some students loans allow the money to be paid back while they are still in school.