<p>I know, I'm still a sophomore. But its always good to think ahead.</p>
<p>I have heard that Grinnell (Iowa) has an awesome financial aid program, but the only reason Oberlin is second to Grinnell and not before it in my lineup of prospects is because I hear that Oberlin doesn't succeed as much with financial aid. Could someone tell me, if you have any opinions or know anything from experience or anything, which you think has a better financial aid program or if they are about the same or what? </p>
<p>This would be for a single income household with divorced parents.</p>
<p>(PS I'm new at the whole financial aid research deal, so forgive me if I am missing something very obvious :) )</p>
<p>Wildflower, </p>
<p>It is very good that you are starting to look at the financial aspect of college now. I would also sugges that you sit down and talk with both of your parents to find out what they will realistically contribute to your education. If they give you a number (even though it may be one you do not like, believe it). From what we have seen many students don't have this conversation get accepted into a school that is not affordable to the family and then cry about how the system has screwed them. This conversation now will save a lot of heartache later.</p>
<p>I think that you should use some of the free financial aid calculators to get a ball park figure of what your EFC (expected family contribution0 is going to be. You will not be considered a single income house hold because yoru parents are divorced as both of their incomes are going to be used in calculating your financial aid (if you have stepparents, their income may be used to the extent that your parents are benefitting from the marriage).</p>
<p>Right now no one would have a straight forward answer because schools calculate aid differently and in the end the school decides what your family should pay based on their income , not what your parents feel that they could afford to pay. </p>
<p>Some schools (not many) meet 100% of your demonstrated need but not all demonstrated need is not met in the same way. A school can give you all loans and still meet your demonstrated need. other schools, NYU gap -they leave a gap between the cost of attendance and what you get in financial aid. How you fill the gap is between you and your family. Research the schools. If possible look up their common data sheet for the average amount of aid given in grants/scholarships and the average debt that a student graduates with.</p>
<p>Colleges are going to look at the age of your parents and a protion of their income will be protected. Some schools consider the equity in your home for financial aid and any assets in your name (college funds, gifts, etc) will be assessed at 35% as your contribution toward college.</p>
<p>Look at a variety of schools including a financial saftey; if admitted you will attend and your parents can afford it. Depending on your grades and SAT/ACT scores, don't over look schools that give merit aid and honors college at state universities. Yes apply for outside scholarships as they first reduce your self help aid (workstudy and loans).</p>