Student Loan Denial/Advice Needed!

Hi.. I'm new here and have a pretty urgent situation.

I am going into my 3rd year at a small undergraduate college in baltimore, md (loyola college). Its very expensive but I have gotten a good amount of federal financial aid and grants from the school.

I plan on taking out a Sallie Mae Signature loan for the maximum my school will certify (11000). This will cover the remainder of my year's tuition bill (36000) and dorm room (9200).

However, I still need some more money for my meal plan, books, travel expenses, etc. It adds up to about 26000 a year. I originally wanted to take out a private CDR loan for the full amount, but was told I should seperate it into CDR and school certified. Therefore, I am in search of a check directly to me, non-school certified loan.

I have had bad luck so far. I applied for the tuition answer loan from Sallie Mae and was denied twice, using both parents as co-signers. We have good credit and have received private loans before, but I was told by Sallie Mae that since May 2008, they have raised their credit standards from good to excellent due to the economy. CampusDoor rejected us too.

Is anyone else having this problem? I understand that the current economy does have an impact on the interest rates, thus making it difficult for lenders to give out loans, but something has got to give!

I am currently in search of a non-certified school loan, but not sure where to turn. I've heard bad thing about Astrive, and am looking into NextStudent. Can anyone offer any advice or recommendations? THANK YOU

after reading over my post, i would like to clarify. I have decided to take out a school-certified (Sallie Mae Signature) loan for 11000. Therefore, I still need money for food, books, travel which equals about 15000. Thats the amount I am looking for in the private CDR loan. I think I may have confused things when I mentioned 26000. Any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Although a lot of companies have gotten out of private student loans over the past year there are still a few out there. You're best bet is to just keep applying at all banks and third party places. Your only real option is paying for a private loan... Here are some hints:

try to find one based off libor. Prime tends to be higher and result in higher interest rates
-Third party sites such as myrichuncle and others are still lending. You will need a cosigner. So if you are worried about this look for a loan which allows cosigner release after xx payments (usually 36 or 48).

My other advice, is to get a part time job. I know this won't account for all of the needed cash but not working enough hours in school is a huge regret of mine. Even if all you can do is pay the accruing interest on your account.

Oh I forgot one point. If you are applying to alot of places, which could be 5+ if you are having trouble finding a loan. Be sure to do within a consolidated time period, less than 2 weeks. This way you won't kill your credit score as much with all the inquiries. This is very important if you are young and do not have much of a credit history.