<p>cheri, ultimately it is your choice to go to that private university that costs triple what a public U costs. Just because you cannot afford it, does mean that others should have to pay for your decision to go to an expensive U. Your family is making the choice to send money to family rather than send you to an expensive private school. Personally, I fully support that decision, as I too am the child of an immigrant. However, it is a personal choice that others should not have to pay for. Aid money should not be taken away from students whose parents make a fraction of what your parents do. </p>
<p>Is it fair? Probably not, but there has to be some kind of formula as millions of kids go to college each year and it would be impossible to assess everyone of them on a one-on-one basis. Instead, you have to make sacrifices. I really wanted to go to a small private school, but it costs more than double what my parents make each year, and I had to make the choice to go to a public U where I could get more aid rather than put my family into enormous debt. That will be the same choice you have to make.</p>
<p>Good luck, which ever way you go.</p>