I know the title sounds a bit weird but in all honesty going to college with my family’s income is a dream. I want to go to NYU and my grades are good enough but its expensive. Its great for me as its close to home and i really like that it’s in the city. But it sucks that my family can’t pay even 2000 dollars for me to go there. I thought to my mom if you can’t do that then what options do i have? My mom told me we can only hope and pray that we get a decent chunk of financial aid and loans. It sucks that there is barely any options and i just want to know is there any options for me? Yes, i’ve heard stuff like , since you live in NJ go to rutgers. I know rutgers is a great school but my dream is to go to NYU and for as long as i can i want to dream that dream. Chances of me getting scholarships is close to nothing and all my mom does is pray to god and telling me god will get us through which i know won’t do anything. Is there any other option for me?
What are your stats?
For lower income students, the best way to pay for college is by getting high grades, preparing consistently for the act or sat starting summer before junior year, and to have a profile that means they’ll either be competitive for 100% need colleges or excellent scholarships at their public universities.
What do you like about NYU ? That it’s in the city? That it offers programs in finance? That it is so welcoming to LGBTQ students?
Depending on your reasons and on your stats (GPA, curriculum rigor, test scores) adults here will be able to suggest similar colleges that would be affordable.
Have you checked out things like Questbridge and the Gates Millennium Scholarship? I agree with others that someone in your position needs to definitely expand your college choices, also apply for application fee waivers, especially given the highest expensive costs of NYU. Your best bet is researching colleges that may meet full need, attending a community/state college, or offer you close to a full merit scholarship for your grades/test scores. Some colleges will offer you automatic full rides if you reach a certain threshold of grades and test scores, which you can find in the financial aid forums. You need to be realistic, but there are options out there for you