<p>So, I've recently been told that you can get better financial aid at privates than at UC's. Say, a private costs 50k, how much financial aid would someone normally get w/ a 0 EFC? Do they give you a certain percentage? </p>
<p>And I've heard Privates can be cheaper than UC's, is that true? Can someone please further explain this to me? Thanks</p>
<p>yeah privates can be cheap if you go to the best schools (HYP), or if youre a reallyyy great student at a decent private. But usually, for most regular joes, UCs are much better financially</p>
<p>Well I have a 0 EFC and thus my tuition cost is zero. I got accepted to USC out of high school and it was going to be around $28k a year after all my scholarships and financial aid. </p>
<p>Unless you’re going to an Ivy League school (which doesn’t charge tuition if your parents make under $70k a year, much like the Blue and Gold Plan that UCs have) you’re going to be spending a good chunk. I think Stanford follows suit with the Ivy Leagues, too.</p>
<p>I am wondering the same thing too. I have an EFC of zero as well and I dont want to even waste the money applying to USC unless the fin aid package I get would be comprable with a UC’s aid package.</p>
<p>In some cases, a private can be cheaper than a public. But as others already pointed out, it really depends on you and the college.</p>
<p>For need based aid:
COA (cost of attendance) - EFC (expected family contribution) = need
It is up to the college to determine how much they will fullfill your need. Most colleges don’t meet full need. The ones that meet full need are usually very hard to get into (like HYPS). And the financial aid package usually include some combo of grant, work study and loans.</p>
<p>For merit aid:
You need to be a top applicant in some way.</p>
<p>If you beleive you can get good financial aid or merit aid from privates, go ahead and apply to see what they offer. Keep in mind that you can get good financial aid or merit aid from UCs also expecially for top students.</p>