High Income, Early Decision, Financial Aid?

<p>So Rice is currently my number 1 choice of school. I am almost done with my application and I want to apply ED. However, my family income is around $150,000-$200,000. Will I actually be able to receive financial aid if I get in ED? My parents are willing to pay around $20,000 a year for tuition but I doubt I will receive any need-based aid. I don't want to throw that financial toll on my parents though for the next 4 years, so does anyone have any experience or advice for mid-high income students applying ED?
My other top schools would be NYU, UC Berkeley and UT-Austin. None of which give very sufficient financial aid, especially since 2 are state-schools. Ah yes, and I am from NM.
Thank you!!!</p>

<p>It’s a same situation as my D. Although my family income is in upper middle class, it’s really hard to pay the full college price. Although I know ED may increase acceptance rate, there is a risk not getting a merit-scholarship. So, I asked my D not to do any ED applications. (EA or SCEA is fine.)</p>

<p>I wouldn’t apply ED.</p>

<p>My family’s income is well below $100K and at Rice and similar schools I run the numbers and get about 50% of the cost of attendance in grant money. So unless you have an unusual situation I’m guessing you would be paying a lot more than $20k out of pocket at a school like Rice.</p>

<p>I’m no expert, but I do not think state schools give very much aid. This is made worse by the fact that out of state tuition is often VERY expensive. I could be wrong though.</p>

<p>Merit aid is a possibility however, while financial aid is unlikely.</p>

<p>Almost all the financial aid at Rice is need based. They will meet the difference between your expected family contribution and the total cost, but with that income, your parents will have to pay much more than $20,000 each year at Rice.</p>

<p>You don’t have to guess–try running the net price calculator for Rice, or have your parents run it if you are not privvy to the actual family finances (most hs students probably don’t know the specifics for their family). The NPC isn’t a guarantee, but it will give you a solid place to start instead of just assuming. There are other factors besides straight income (having college age siblings is one that comes to mind)–so check the NPC to see where you stand.</p>

<p>My family’s income is around $100K - $150K, somewhere in that range. My brother applied to A&M and got aid, but not too much though (I am not sure but he DID get aid). I think you might get some aid, but you should try. You never know.</p>

<p>I would recommend applying RD based on your situation.</p>