Makiba's family has been saving $2,000 a year for 18 years toward 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?
(1 point)
Makiba's family has been saving for 18 years, so they have saved a total of 18 * $2,000 = $<<18*2000=36000>>36,000.
Makiba herself has been saving for 4 years, so she has saved a total of 4 * 12 * $250 = $<<4*12*250=12000>>12,000.
So in total, Makiba has saved $36,000 + $12,000 = $<<36000+12000=48000>>48,000.
The total cost of the program is $15,000/year * 4 years = $<<15000*4=60000>>60,000.
Therefore, Makiba will have to cover $60,000 - $48,000 = $<<60000-48000=12000>>12,000 by scholarships or student loans. Answer: \boxed{12,000}.