Makibas family has been saving $2,000 a year for 18 years towards her college education. Makiba herself has been saving $250 a month for the past four years. She wants to complete a four-year program costing $15,000 a year. How much will have to be covered by scholarships or student loans?
The total saved by Makiba's family is $2000/year x 18 years = $<<2000*18=36000>>36,000.
The total amount saved by Makiba is $250/month x 12 months/year x 4 years = $<<250*12*4=12000>>12,000.
The total amount saved is $36,000 + $12,000 = $<<36000+12000=48000>>48,000.
The total cost of the four-year program is $15,000/year x 4 years = $<<15000*4=60000>>60,000.
The amount that will have to be covered by scholarships or student loans is $60,000 - $48,000 = $<<60000-48000=12000>>12,000. Answer: \boxed{12,000}.