<p>COlsen573…you need to call the financial aid offices at some of the schools on your list and listen to what they say. Maybe someone will tell you that you are an independent student at this time…but truthfully, I don’t believe that’s the case. </p>
<p>PLUS even IF they did…those public universities on your list will have OOS costs in excess of $30,000 for one year of study. The financial aid at these schools does not guarantee to meet your full need anyway. Even IF (and I mean if…because you do have a substantial income for this year according to your posts) you have a low EFC, this would only be for the federally funded aid programs which won’t cover more than about 1/4 of that cost and that includes loans. </p>
<p>Honestly, I think you sound like a sharp enough individual who just doesn’t want to believe what is being told to you. AND this is, after all, a message board. So contact the colleges directly and hear it from them.</p>
<p>You might want to check to see if you are eligible for instate tuition in New York where your family resides. </p>
<p>You might want to reconsider your list so that it is more reflective of schools you can afford to attend. There should be one school on EVERY student’s list that they could afford to attend AND would attend without any financial aid…or with guaranteed merit aid.</p>
<p>Perhaps you could look for another job where the employer pays a portion of the cost of college attendance.</p>