I don’t think anybody is keeping up with this thread anymore, but I decided I’d post an update anyway.
I decided on attending another college (long story behind this one! Haha, which I won’t get into right now) which is going to leave me with roughly a remaining cost of 9,259$ which is A LOT better than 15,000$. State grant brings it down to just barely 8,522$ or so. Definitely a lot more affordable than the college I thought I was going to.
And best of all, I’m going to be an out of state student, and I’ll be at a college with a better program for my major. 
So if your EFC is 0 and your mom earns less than $10000, how will you pay the $8522?
It is always nice when someone reports back. Especially if it is good news. It also helps to know new info to help other students so when you have time to explain, please do.
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State grant brings it down to just barely 8,522$
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So, does your aid not include any loans? If so, so you’ll be taking a $5500 loan to cover much of that? how will you cover the rest? a summer job??
It doesn’t sound like you have the $$ gap between OOS costs and what is remaining on your shoulders. Is there any CC program near you so you can cut costs big time, and go away to school later? What are you wanting to study? Even sounds like you have a gap with in-state, unless that was w/o the state grant $$.
Hey everyone, time for another update!
After reviewing my financial aid letter with somebody at my high school, she advised me to write FA appeals to both the school and grant center. I was at first, very focused on the fact this college’s cost of attendance was much lower than the previous school; this school had been my first choice (I never mentioned this was the school that denied me! I appealed my rejection and got good news in return!) So I had jumped on board with this other college, not fully aware of the FA situation.
I didn’t think my letters of appeal for both cases would help very much, but I decided that it was worth the try. My two college classes are one of the driving forces, that I think, got me accepted into this college - along with the words of my guidance counselor, in the appeal letter. He also did write his own appeal letter to this college regarding my financial aid package, and I also wrote my own.
I at first, had little luck, but when I asked for options, I got an email the following day with lots of grants/scholarships from the college, that I did not receive the first time. I think when they did my FIRST letter, it was a quick matter.
Today I got my official letter in the mail from their FA office and my remaining costs now are: 1,098$. Something that I believe is a lot more likely of a chance, that I can back myself, since I have a job and I’ve been getting quite a few more hours at. I recently opened a savings account, that I’m going to be putting more money into, every time I get paid. Plus, the grant money will help some too.
If there’s anybody who’s come across this thread, in the exact situation I’ve been in, don’t give up hope! Just with your college for options, you never know!
What a great update! Congrats on your perseverance!