<p>Got accepted to an out of state University and because of tribal affiliation will be considered in-state for tuition. I recieved a letter from the University saying that I didn't qualify for any University scholarships. I'm not sure that I'll receive any other scholarships because I haven't heard back from any that I applied to yet and probably would have by now if I got any of them. My EFC is 0. What are my chances of receiving enough aid (grants, loan options) to cover the cost. I looked at the estimated costs to attend and it says around $15,000 - $16,000 (this is excluding travel and personal expenses). I haven't received my financial aid package yet so just trying to brace myself for what to expect. Thoughts?</p>
<p>What is the name of the college? Apart from University of Virginia and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, I don’t think that there are any state colleges who claim to always meet full-need for any applicant, regardless of in-state or out-of-state affiliation. Having an EFC of 0 qualifies you for the maximum of need-based aid available, but that of course depends on how much money they have left (rule of thumb: the earlier you send in your FAFSA, the more likely it is to receive the best kind of aid).</p>
<p>The aid that you can count on right now is a Pell grant (I believe the maximum is $5,500, which you should be eligible for), Perkins loans, plus the maximum Stafford loan of $5,500 (this includes both subsidized – which doesn’t accrue interest while you are in college – and unsubsidized – which does accrue interest while you are in college). </p>
<p>You will probably be offered a Parent Plus loan – this is a loan that your parents can take out on your behalf. Unlike the other loans and aid, the Parent Plus loan can be as high as the cost of attendance for your college, minus any financial aid that you already have. </p>
<p>Depending on how generous your school is and how much money your parents are able to chip in, I think that it might be very possible for you to attend this school. Again, you won’t have a clear picture of what it will turn out to be until you receive that financial aid award. It should be coming any day now, so you’ll know more once you have that letter in your hand. Good luck! :D</p>
<p>It’s possible, but difficult to say without knowing the school. Pell will be $5500, you may qualify for a $750 ACG (depending on HS academics), and the school may give you FSEOG money. Then there are Perkins loans (amount is determined by the school), Stafford loans which will be $5500 maximum, and work study. That’s probably it for federal aid. Does your state give low income grants that you can use at this school? If not, there may be institutional need based aid…again that depends on the school but may have additional availability due to your N.A. status.</p>
<p>Well, you’ll get full Pell - about $5500</p>
<p>You might get some SEOG - You might receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on when you apply, your financial need, the funding at the school you’re attending, and the policies of the financial aid office at your school.</p>
<p>Maybe some ACG -</p>
<p>Stafford loans</p>
<p>work-study</p>
<p>Do you know of any aid you get because of your tribal affiliation (I think some NA’s get some money for their affiliation)</p>
<p>Some states also give aid to certain recognized tribes</p>
<p>What state school is this and what is your tribe? </p>
<p>Do you have a CIB?</p>
<p>Ok…I think the school is U Arkansas.</p>
<p>Have you used their online FA calculator.</p>
<p>It might be a bit odd for you unless you’re considered an Ark resident. I know you’re getting instate rates, but are they actually considering you an Ark resident. If so, you might get some state aid, too.</p>
<p>It is U of A actually. My daughter and I both post here under this same log in. She really has her heart set on going to U of A so we’re keeping our fingers crossed for a good finanical aid award. She is a Gates finalist so we’re also keeping our fingers crossed for that as well but want to prepare ourselves in case it doesn’t happen for us. Thanks for the information, it really gave us much more insight in to what we might expect. =)</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure that the in-state consideration is for tuition only but I’ll definitely check to be sure. I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks!</p>
<p>OP: Have you talked with someone at the university’s Native American affairs office (if they have one, but they probably do) – if you’re an enrolled member of a qualifying tribe, there may be some special state or federal funding available to you – and this is such a specialized area that I’d expect that a lot of FA offices might not be too familiar with it. </p>
<p>If there isn’t a Native American affairs representative on campus, try five other things:
- Ask if there is someone in Financial Aid who specializes in F.A. for Native American students & talk to that person directly;
- Check with your tribe’s government and see if there is an education officer or some similar officer and see if they have some advice for you;
- See if there is a Native American group on your school’s campus, and get in contact with them and ask about other financial aid resources;
- If there is a state or community college near your tribe’s reservation, see if you can talk with someone at that location (hopefully nearby you so you can do so in person) to learn more;
- Check the Bureau of Indian Affairs website if you haven’t already</p>
<p>This is a really specialized area, and the key is finding someone who knows the ins and outs of aid for Native Americans. PM me if you can’t find anyone local.</p>