<p>Here's the dillemma. Both of my parents are remarried. My mother makes ~20,000/yearly, and my father even less. My mother has sole custody. My stepfather, however, makes ~100,000/year. Our house is currently mortgaged, but has a very large amount of equity, to pay for a startup business. The business is valued at approx. 150,000$ but is more a liability than anything. My dillemma is that there is not a chance in hell that my stepdad is willing to assist with education (we don't get along all too well...) nor do I wish him to. However, the expected family contribution with these statistics is astoundingly high considering the circumstances. Is there any way to sidestep this or qualify for aid of some description as a transfer student (assuming I am accepted of course)? Thanks!</p>
<p>You, and perhaps your mom, need to speak to a financial aid officer. Also, there are people who post in the Parents Forum who are near experts on these issues. I would suggest you post this there as well.</p>
<p>Thanks, I just posted it there. Next question would be -- if I get no assistance and have to take out loans... is it worth it? I.Banking/consulting sounds great, but I could do fairly well where i'm at (uncle owns a consulting company dealing with small-mid sized businesses... up to 50M or so), but i don't know if i want to live here forever -- pretty sure i don't actually. </p>
<p>Is the difference between a sub-100 school and a top-25, use Chicago vs. Arkansas for this assumption (ranked #126 I believe) worth the extra thousands?</p>
<p>Money aside, the environments on the campuses you mentioned are quite different. I would recommend visiting each, sitting in on classes, talking to students, and spending a night in a dorm before making any final decision.</p>
<p>I'm at Arkansas now. definitely not for me. But sure, I could find a cheaper "fit" presumeably. I'm looking for a school that will be worth my time and money in the future. As far as the vibe, I love chicago.</p>
<p>I understand Rice is somewhat less expensive than most privates, and not to different from some of the top publics for out of state students.</p>
<p>You will make the ... $100,000 or so you take out in loans back many times over the course of your life - you have many opportunities to make 100K - you have the opportunity to transfer to Chicago ONCE.</p>
<p>If you have not already seen them, these links may help.</p>
<p><a href="http://collegeaid.uchicago.edu/prospective/loans_lenders.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://collegeaid.uchicago.edu/prospective/loans_lenders.shtml</a>
<a href="http://scholarships-college.uchicago.edu/undergrad.cfm%5B/url%5D">http://scholarships-college.uchicago.edu/undergrad.cfm</a>
<a href="http://collegeaid.uchicago.edu/prospective/average_aid.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://collegeaid.uchicago.edu/prospective/average_aid.shtml</a></p>