<p>I really want to apply to UIUC, Cornell, and CMU but these are all very expensive schools. My parents have told me they will give me 28k/yr for 4 years. Combined my mom+dad makes 150k, I have 1 sister but she is supporting herself, and various financial aid calculators have said that my parents' expected financial contribution would be anywhere from 44-46k/yr. I really don't want to get into massive debt were I to be accepted into these schools with no aid, and I want to go on to grad school, so I'm wondering given my family's financial situation should I even bother applying for aid, or even to these schools at all?</p>
<p>Is that $28K a year they will give you? Are you instate for UIUC?</p>
<p>Is that $28K a year they will give you?</p>
<p>yes</p>
<p>Are you instate for UIUC?</p>
<p>no</p>
<p>Give thanks to your parents. That is very generous of them. $112,000. Thats a new car every year for four years without tradeins. That's all expenses paid at your instate school with $10,000 left over each year. That's easily $140,000 in gross wages.</p>
<p>Your question: You don't get, if you don't ask. They give to those who ask. And, who are deserving.</p>
<p>With an EFC that high, your chances of getting financial aid are slim, but you should always fill out the financial aid forms in the event of a change of circumstances. Plus some schools require it for scholarships.</p>
<p>Cornell and CM are going to be tough, either a lot of debt or start applying for outside scholarships. My son applied to about 40 and ended up with 8K in outside scholarships for this year and 6K of that is renewable. </p>
<p>UIUC has a University achievement scholarship for out of state students which is a $12,000 renewable scholarship. Since the average SAT scores for Cornell and Cm are higher than at UIUC, I am assuming that you have the strong SAT scores and you would have a shot at the $12K. (just make sure you watch for the application deadlines for any school scholarships)</p>
<p>Consider yourself very lucky that your parents had a talk to you and explained what they are willing to contribute. Many kids don't find out until after they are accepted and that's just awful.</p>