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<p>Unlikely to happen with need-based financial aid, since even the best-financial-aid schools have an expected student contribution, typically ranging from $4,000 to $10,000. At the lower end of the range, the student can take either a federal direct loan (up to $5,500) or contribute work earnings; at the higher end of the range, the student would need both.</p>
<p>With merit scholarships, there may be other options. Some schools allow merit scholarships to replace student contribution (work and/or loan expectations) in need-based financial aid packages. For larger merit scholarships, there are other possibilities. “Full ride” merit scholarships cover tuition, fees, room, and board, although there may be books and miscellaneous expenses up to about $5,000. If the student gets a large Pell grant, that can cover those expenses; otherwise, a federal direct loan or work earnings can. “Full tuition” merit scholarships would likely leave about $15,000 in residual costs for room, board, books, and miscellaneous expenses. But a Pell grant, federal direct loan, and some work earnings may be enough to cover that, although that would be a stretch budget.</p>