<p>I was wondering if private schools were more lenient on giving out financial aid than public schools, because my parents (combined) make about $110,000 a year (family size 4 with 2 dependents). My brother goes to UCLA and he did not qualify for financial aid from FAFSA or anything. I don't know if I should even apply to these private schools I'm considering (USC, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, Occidental, and Pepperdine). How much aid would I expect to get from these schools if I filled out FAFSA?</p>
<p>Last I remembered, when my brother filled out FAFSA, the expected family contribution was about $63,000. There is no way my family can shell out that kind of money each year, so would it be more practical for me to not waste time applying for privates? I already submitted my applications for the Cal States and UCs, and I'm perfectly fine going to any one of those schools.</p>
<p>Apply to the schools you want to attend. Also, apply for FinAid. Then, after acceptance, sit down with your parents and choose the best school you can afford to attend.</p>
<p>Also, some privates give significant MERIT aid, like USC. There are sometimes earlier deadlines for merit aid & some require you to fill out forms as well, so read carefully so you will have as many options as possible. Your family situation may have changed as well due to the current financial crisis--if your family is willing to complete the paperwork, it can certainly be worthwhile giving it a try since there will be two of you in college.
Do check out merit aid & ask your HS college counselor which schools are known for merit aid. Willamette in Salem, OR is quite genernous with its merit aid, if it appeals to you. Seattle U is also generous. Look around & you may be pleasantly surprised.</p>
<p>The colleges with the most select student bodies (Yale, Harvard, etc) tend to have the most money and offer the most financial aid. I think all colleges use FAFSA or the Profile to calculate aid (except for those few which are free to those selected such as Berea).</p>