Financing FT MBA

Question

How have some of you financed your full-time MBA studies? 

I am starting my program in the fall of this year and, although I'm excited about attending one of the best schools in the country (Chicago GSB), I'm not so thrilled about being financially dependent on my parents  again  in my mid 20s, after being independent for the last 2.5 years.

How have you guys dealt with this? Or is it not that big of a deal to most?

Lorenzino · Answer

i suppose you need not be dependant on them if you really dont want to... you can still get a loan from a bank (as most people do)... I think!

artshep · Answer

Yes, that is a common option. But even aside from tuition...things like rent, food, etc...that money has to come from somewhere, right?

artshep · Answer

Forgot to mention golf in the list of things I need money for :lol:

Lorenzino · Answer

i think the loan would cover that as well... wouldnt it? Or maybe give up the golf thing :lol:

Anyway i do understand you, i'd never go back depending on ma&da, ever

artshep · Answer

Wow...now I feel terrible. :wink:

Am I the only one who will be depending on mom and pop for some of my financial needs during school?

aaudetat · Answer

I say that if the apron strings lead to the dough, and your sense of self won't be crushed, go for it.

My parents have absolutely NOTHING to give, so that's never been an option. 

But yeah, many people cover the whole thing - tuition and living expenses - through loans, with private loans making up the difference.

See the "Cha Ching" announcement in the b-school thread for more on funding b-school.

GMATT73 · Answer

Same here, expected family contribution = $0. It's been that way since I was 17. 

Paying half through savings and the other half through Stafford and Stafford Plus loans. I think we can max out somwhere around $120K as grad students.

artshep · Answer

Yep, you guys are right on. The combination of savings and loans should do the trick, leaving little or nothing left for the parents to take on. That makes me feel better.

If I'm not mistaken, we do get a waive on withdrawal penalties from 401K and Roth IRA if we use that money for a graduate education. Anyone know if that's accurate? Also, assuming a $100k loan overall, what would be an estimated monthly payment after school and what would the timeline of the loan be, typically?

GMATT73 · Answer

Over 15 years it should be about $8~900/month.

MoonShine · Answer

I will be paying for the tuition minus fellowship by loans. All living and personal expenses will be provided by my parents. Loans can cover everything including living/personal expenses, but I want to keep the amount borrowed as low as possible. It don't generally like being dependant on my parents, but I also don't want ridiculous loans to pay off.

macsurf · Answer

man.......that's pretty serious, there has to be a way to extend the life of the loan. Is that a realistic number?

rhyme · Answer

Woah another GSBer? Did you go to Admit Weekend?

artshep · Answer

I have not yet been able to go to any of the orientation events, unfortunately, since I've been in New York wrapping up work. But I just moved back today and plan to attend as many as I can before we start up in the Fall.

lepium · Answer

I might pull off to finance my MBA with savings + scholarship. Although it depends on where I end up. If not, savings + Citiassist.

squali83 · Answer

Isn't not our of the question that a internship will lead to second year expenses? I have heard of employers that will offer full-time positions after internships that include covering second year tuition...Has anyone else heard of this?

dukes · Answer

Yes, but its not the norm. I believe a couple consulting firms do it. I feel like I've heard of Booz offering second year tuition but I could be wrong.

GMATT73 · Answer

Depending on the applied interest rate, I may be a few bucks off but the figure is definately within the ballpark. Extending the loan beyond 15 years? Good question... anybody?

aaudetat · Answer

hey, gang. I believe the standard term will be at 10 years for your student loans. Post-graduation you can consolidate the loans, which will extend the term. The term you get will depend on the total amount you have outstanding. However, remember that the longer your term, the more you'll pay in interest. See number 11 of this FAQ: https://www.mygreatlakes.com/borrower/s ... _faqs.html P.S. I know undergrad federal loans have a standard 10-year term. I'm not so sure about grad school loans. Private loans are likely to depend on the lender.

GMATT73 · Answer

The loan repayment calculator sets its default at 10 years, so you may be right on this one. Who the hell would want to still be paying off grad loans in their 50s? https://www.edamerica.net/tools/repaymentcalculator.aspx

Financing FT MBA

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