<p>The problem with looking at finances first is that EFC calculators are not exactly a quick thing to run and one can quickly become bogged down in running them for schools that in the end are not at all interesting. It’s a lot easier to come up with a list of acceptable schools from every other aspect, then run the EFC calc. And even then, you might want to talk to the school’s FA people as often things are available that aren’t obvious, particularly at full-need schools. That said, it should be obvious that most OOS publics are not going to be a fit because of finances, with rare exception, but merit aid at some can fix that.</p>
<p>I don’t think there is a question about applying to the top schools. They tend to award good need based aid. The unknown is getting into them. This is a precarious situation for a low income student, since colleges outside this level tend to not meet full need. </p>
<p>The OP will apply through QB, and hopefully will be accepted. However, everyone needs a contingency plan. For a low income student, this will take some research and also some willingness to look outside the box- beyond the more popular schools, for any opportunity. It also may mean putting some pride aside- and being willing to be the top of the application pool at a school that may still be very good, but not have the prestige of others. I have known some outstanding students at relatively lesser known schools who have received good financial aid awards based on merit. </p>
<p>This takes some research- making a list of colleges that offer majors in area of interest, location, school culture and location. It might be nice to be OOS but then consider travel costs as well as the cost of living expenses- which will be more expensive in major cities than rural areas. Look at the scholarship section of each to see if any fit you. Consider every niche college you might fit into - and these have been discussed. They can be very good but not as competitive because not everyone is applying to them. Only approximately half the population will apply to women’s colleges. Not everyone applies to Christian colleges. Some HBCU’s have excellent merit aid awards for top students. </p>
<p>In general, in state colleges award financial aid to their own residents, and so do some private colleges. If you read the financial aid section, a Christian college might have a scholarship for members of that church in their state. Why? because scholarships are privately and publicly funded, so it would make sense that a local church helps support a local college, and state funds will stay in the state. Sometimes a state college will have scholarships for residents from certain counties in the state. State credit unions also have scholarships. All are different and you have to look.</p>
<p>Last and not least, even though it isn’t popular on CC. Do not overlook your community college. It is often the best financial situation and there is nothing wrong with attending one and then transferring to a four year college. Some might even be better academically than a very low ranked four year college. </p>
<p>@MrMom62 Also, they aren’t always accurate </p>