<p>Ougnala, this is too important of a deal for you be relying on this board or any website for financial aid eligibility. My understanding is that you need a green card, and applying for one does not count. You have to have one. However, this may differ from school to school, things may have changed, I may be mistaken, etc, etc. You need to call each of the schools on your list, talk to the financial aid office, to a director, not a student helper and find out if you are considered an international student by their definition. Also ask if you are eligible for government funds that FAFSA qualifies kids for. </p>
<p>In answer to your original question, schools do provide aids in varying amounts. You can apply to 1000 schools and get that many different packages. Most of the time, your EFC will remain the same as calculated by FAFSA which will determine your eligibility for government money, but different schools may subscribe to different government programs and states have their own programs as well. Not to mention the schools’ own funds. And many schools do offer different amounts to kids with the same need numbers, as they determine merit within need, so that those students they want the most get more generous packages.</p>