<p>one other quick suggestion ... try to gather more facts to discuss with Mom (as opposed to argue over the unknown) ... 1) find the on-line FASA/EFC calculators and get an estimate of how much aid you are likely to need (at least according to the schools) ... 2) investigate Brown's financial policies; does Brown meet 100% of need? if so, how much tends to be loans? With these two pieces of info you can have a better conversation about your options.</p>