Ally - its for part if this year's tuition only. It would not go up.

Of course nothing is ever simple - her mother (my sister) and I have a very strained relationship right now - due to money that she (my sister, not my niece) owes me.

There are so many what ifs... what if she changes her mind, drops out, gets pregnant, gets sick.... there are certainly things that could happen and yes, me and my husband would be stuck.

We haven't even really been that close over the years. I'd certainly like to get to know her better now that she is growing up and I can talk to her without her mom being around.

and no, we're not made of money. It would be a hardship if we were stuck with the bill.

My heart says sign the loan but my head says "wait - she'll get by somehow but you could end up regretting it for a very long time"

Logan - thank you too for the input. If anything, she has been very upfront - is willing to divulge all her finances, transcripts, whatever.