Does college financial aid include living expenses, or just college-related expenses?

I'm totally broke and come from a broke family but want to go to college(and probably should too). I'm also wondering which is better between federal financial aid or from a bank. What are my options?

The financial aid formula is "expected cost of attendance" minus "expected family contribution".

Expected cost of attendance DOES include living expenses. (though they usually lowball what it actually costs)

The actual amount of financial aid you will receive depends on the amount of your expected family contribution. This figure is based on the previous years tax return.

This is one case where it pays to be poor.

Financial aid (which includes both scholarships and loans) will take into account living expenses. You don't really choose between federal aid and bank aid. What you do is file a FAFSA form with the government, and they will calculate how much financial need you have. Then, you may be eligible for federal loans, and your school (or other organizations) may offer you other scholarships and/or loans. The federal loans are actually still done by lending institutions however.

If the school you plan to attend "package" 100%, then YES you will have living expenses included in your academic years budget.........STUDENT LOANS are always better than personal loans from a bank....the interest rates are lower and some of them defer repayment until 6 months after you graduate or separate from the school. You can always ask your financial aid office for assistance in securing STUDENT LOANS, which MUST be certified by the school you attend.

just college related expenses. but some funds cover your room and board to. for example, several of my friends cannot live off campus, because their loans only work on school-sponsored housing. ta da!
you can also get loans just for books. always get your loans through federal if you can. banks are just out to make a profit and can give you pretty rediculous interest rates. for example, i took out 80000 in loans over my four years of college. i did the math and if i pay it all out in their extended time frame, i actually pay 100 grand because of interest!
if you have to take loans, go to the school first, then federal (fasfa) and always pay back ASAP

When you apply for financial aid for school you have to go to FAFSA's website. That's the federal financial aid system. You may be eligible for a grant. The school will look at your expenses and give you what is needed depending on your answers.
Loans are not really the best way to go, try to talk to a counselor at school and they can tell you what options are available (scholarships, grants etc.).

I think your best option should be to apply for financial aid.
I don't come from a family with money, but applying for financial aid paid everything for me.
Also, try to apply for some scholarships that helps a bunch!
I hope that helps

fill out FAFSA get good grades and do sports. Dont get loans from a bank if you are poor the govt will loan you money at really low interest unlike THE BANK. apply for scholarships. try www.fastweb.com

mostly no, jus educational expenses

I would say anyone who is willing to give you the money.