Can someone give me advice on financial aid for college? experienced people only!!?

[Will C]

In terms of loans, I think student loans would be better than Bank loans because Student Loans don't pile interest until after you Graduate

[hummmmm]

Ok so i finished my fafsa and my efc ended up being 6393. Now our expenses equal 5000 dollars a month and my dad only makes 2600 dollars a month. my mom only works 15 hours a week because she is sick and cant work anymore. Even with me working we dont make enough every month to pay our expenses. Right now im not working. I went to my community college and the loan officer told me that the govt doesnt even look at expenses but income only. That is really stupid to me because expenses equal what your income really ends being and how much you can really contribute to something like school. We dont even buy many luxuary items but only things we need. Should i apply for a bank loan instead of a loan from school? Is a bank loan for college a good idea? what would the interest be approximately?
ok let me be more specific. i already tried to get school loan and was rejected.

[Nao]

A bank loan is very touchy because it collects interest the years that you are in school. I'd go more for a school loan or government loan. Definetely the safer route.

[Tiare]

you dont want to go with a bank loan if at all possible, you will end up paying a ton of money back with all the interest added up. beside that, the interest starts while you are still in school.
you should stay in community college for as long as possible, they are nearly free. if you live at home you really shouldnt need much additional money. If you need some extra spending money then get a job instead of a private loan.
by the way, the majority of your expenses definitely should NOT matter . when you get grants and free money like that it is coming from the govt, the taxpayers. they could care less if your family has car payments, or furniture or credit cards or whatever. that was your choice to spend on whatever it is rather than save for your education.