When I was in high school I was much more supportive of welfare than I am now. After finding out that my mother is/was basically committing fraud to get extra help from the government, and hearing constant stories of people quitting their job for a few months since they actually make more money that way.... I dunno. The idea is nice, but there's so much abuse that it's disheartening.
My mom's financial state has definitely helped me through school. I've gotten quite a few grants that have really helped me out, and combining that with scholarships and jobs (I've worked every semester except my first, and every summer) I think I'll end up graduating with almost enough money in the bank to offset all of my loans.
I go to a public school, but it is fairly expensive ($30k / year).
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No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck.