Jared, Your fin aid office will know what has been done in the past to get you through the summer. There is a supplemental Stafford available for the summer, but I don't know if you would qualify since you haven't recieved loans for 06-07 school year. As far as private loans, apply while you are still employed. It will save you a lot of headache of finding a cosigner. You choose when the check is dispersed to you and try to get that as close to when school starts because interest starts accruing as soon as the check is in your hands. Another note abouut private loans, make sure it is for outside the cost of education. Otherwise, you will only be able to get what the school thinks is appropriate(i.e. not enough). Hope this helps. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions.