Admitted, but how to afford?!

<p>I have been admitted to Tulane University, but at an estimated price of almost $54,000 (total package - including housing, books, etc)...How could I ever afford this school?</p>

<p>I only live with one parent who makes around $50,000-54,000 a year. I am not sure how much my father makes, we're not very close and I rarely see him. He is also paying for all of my brother's expenses in his first year at Louisiana State. (I am not a Louisiana resident btw).
My father owns his own business in fixing appliances, but I do not think he makes a ton of money. I really have no clue, and I feel uncomfortable asking for money from him when I rarely see him. I visited New Orleans this summer and loved it, and got to ride around Tulane's campus, but was not able to tour it.</p>

<p>Does anyone think I could get a considerable amount of money? I am looking for resources outside of Tulane as well. My parents definitely do not want to pay more than $20,000 a year. I wasn't offered any merit scholarship from Tulane, which doesn't surprise me since I'm in Tulane's average or even lower-average, but not superior.</p>

<p>Any suggestions? Does anyone think I could get enough from the government and Tulane to knock the price down to at least $20,000 per year for my family? I'll probably have to really dig for scholarships...right? I will do.</p>

<p>You are in the most unfortunate situation. You have two parents that will be counted on your financial aid forms (probably), but you have no relationship with one of them, or not much at least, apparently. If it was just your mother, you might qualify for the Tulane “no loan” tuition program, which would get your family’s share for room/board, books, and personal expenses down to your range. I suggest a call to Financial Aid and that you explain your situation to them in detail. Maybe if your father has not been providing child support or contributing to your household in any way for some time, his income won’t be considered. Don’t count on that, I really don’t know. FA can tell you.</p>

<p>I’m sorry, that is just not a good situation! I’m sure they will be willing to help!</p>