<p>Pitt and Penn State are the two largest universities in western PA area and for instate they are both are around $12,000 tuition and $7000 for r&b.
I agree with trying to reduce living expenses. If you are in Pittsburgh I think it would be cheaper to live off campus than on, unless you were an RA and got free housing. Don’t buy a meal plan or eat out, cook for yourself, many college kids have lived on Ramen and PB&J for a few years.
Also even though they may tell you it will be better next year don’t count on that, unless you have something signed in writing. College costs will go up, funding will go down, new freshman will be coming in needing aid and you will be an upperclassman who they are not trying to convince to stay. You should however get more in the stafford loan as that amount goes up each year.</p>