[quote=Scarlett]Errr…. I have no experience with college loans, but I am very surprised that students are allowed to even borrow more than strictly tuition+books/materials. Don’t they have to justify the expenses?[/quote]

No, they can borrow extra money over and above tuition, fees, books and parking for “living expenses.” What is left of the loan after these items are paid can be spent on anything and everything and often is. No one will ask the student where the money went. Also, a student can still qualify for a loan even though a parent or other relative is helping them. The rules are not the same as a for a grant and they don’t have to submit a FAFSA to obtain a loan. They are not based upon need. Often they take out student loans without these relatives’ knowledge, in order to live a “better lifestyle” than is funded by their benefactors without having to work while in school.