Alvin wants to become a hairdresser. He can save $250 a month for two years, and his family has promised to help him with the rest. His training will cost $9,500. How much will his family have to pay?
Alvin will save a total of $250/month x 12 months/year x 2 years = $<<250*12*2=6000>>6000.
So his family will have to pay $9,500 - $6,000 = $<<9500-6000=3500>>3500. Answer: \boxed{3500}.