<p>Even though every case is different... how much need-based aid should I expect to receive from GWU? (and how much of it would be through loans)</p>
<p>Household income: ~$20,000 / year, no major assets
Family: single mom, me, + 1 younger sister
SAT: 2100 - 2200 range
GPA: 3.6 / 4.1</p>
<p>Any range would be helpful to know, based on what GWU usually does. Thanks!</p>
<p>In my opinion, your financial status shows an obvious need for “need”-based aid. If you are admitted to GWU, I’m sure they’ll try to accommodate your situation to the best of their ability. Though my situation is a little different than yours, (I’m an "independent, but also low-income, transfer student) I received a near-full ride from GWU. I was given $45,000 in grants/scholarships and the rest of the estimated cost of attendance ($56,000, the actual cost of tuition+room and board is a few thousand less, this includes travel expenses and books) was covered with loans. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>It sounds like you have an EFC of zero - in fact, you most likely qualify for an Automatic 0 EFC. The Automatic 0 is better than any other zero because it means that student assets and student income are NOT counted toward the EFC, essentially no matter what. I am in a similar situation, though we are a little better off than you - around $25,000 but with an older, almost independent sister. Based on the research I’ve done, you can technically “expect” nothing. I have seen some students with better packages than others, and by better, I mean a few thousand dollars difference. While there are no guarantees, I found that much more often than not, zero- or low-EFC students received very few loans (usually less than $5000 per year, and quite often, even less than that - as low as NO LOANS). A work study of about $2000 was usually required. To be honest, I’ve seen students with zero or low EFCs get better deals from GW than 100% need, no loans schools. Since you have a very good chance of getting in, it comes down to how much GW “wants” you and is therefore willing to give you. What’s your target? For example, my goal is to graduate $25,000 in debt (or less, obviously). However, since I am determined to go four years to a four year university, I am willing to take upo to $40,000 if absolutely need be (worst case scenario). Once you lay out what you’re willing to take out in loans (assuming you cannot contribute anything out of pocket), it becomes easier to decide what is and isn’t “good” financial aid.</p>
<p>Well, my goal is definitely no loans. Obviously, that might not be up to me, but I really don’t want to end up with more than $20,000 in debt. So I’ll apply to GWU, USC and see what they give me. Those would be the only schools that I would apply to without no-loan policies. The other like 10 schools I’ll apply to would guarantee no-loans for me if I was accepted, and thus essentially a free ride with 0 debt, and I’d be happy at any of them. If not I’ll save my money and spend 2 years at CC.</p>