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?
The total amount of money Makiba's family has saved in 18 years is $2000/year * 18 years = $<<2000*18=36000>>36000.
The total amount Makiba has saved in the past 4 years is $250/month * 12 months/year * 4 years = $<<250*12*4=12000>>12000.
The total amount of money available is $36000 + $12000 = $<<36000+12000=48000>>48000.
The total cost of the four-year program is $15000/year * 4 years = $<<15000*4=60000>>60000.
The amount that can be covered by scholarships or student loans is $60000 - $48000 = $<<60000-48000=12000>>12000. Answer: \boxed{12000}.