<p>You don’t necessarily have to leave the state to have larger schools where you will meet more people. What state are you in?</p>
<p>For out of state public colleges, you usually can’t rely on aid beyond the student loan you are entitled to ($5,500 the first year) and any Pell Grant money if you are qualified for need based aid (up to $6,500). </p>
<p>Have your parents agreed to meet their EFC? For the private schools you mention, NYU doesn’t claim to meet need, so you might have a larger bill than you can afford. Not sure on BU, likely the same. If you have really good gpa and scores you might get some merit money.</p>
<p>Go to the Net Price Calculator on each college website to get an estimate of how much it will cost you. You will need your Parent’s income info. Get them to sit with you and work out the numbers, if possible.</p>