@katens, here is the problem you face: COA for SUNYs is high for you because of room and board costs at most of them Basic first year cost estimates at a SUNY runs over $25k when tuition hovers at $8k or under. It is very possible you are covered by the Excelsior, which may cover your tuition. SUNY basic room and board, books, fees run. $ 16k on paper as estimates and do not include transportation, cell phone, personal expenses like shampoo, sundries, etc.
Living expenses while going to college can be high— minimally $15k living in campus housing in a meal plan. Where are you getting this money if your parents cannot pay for ANY of it? You can only take out $5500 in loans in your own name freshmen year? Where do you think you are going to get $10k?
Also, your FAFSA EFC will be largely determined by your custodial parent’s 2018 AGI plus child support from your non custodial parent. I believe TAP will use the same numbers. @sybbie719 can give you a good lowdown on what you can expect from NYS schools If your parents made a “bubble “ of large income that is included, you may not qualify for much aid that year. You can appeal to each school for professional judgement to adjust, but it’s something that may not work out.
Bear in mind too, that the Excelsior is for tuition only and is a last dollar award. In other words, it kicks in only after other financial aid like PELL, TAP, etc is taken into account and attributed to the tuition.
What your parents appear to be able to afford, is the lions share of what it’s going to cost you to go to college; ie living expenses. The roof over your head, your bed, food, household and personal necessities which can add up easily to $12-15k
What is your FAFSA EFC? CSS PROFILE schools like BU will include both parents’ financials. Hofstra and Fordham very likely have merit money for you. Run their. NPCs along with the other schools’
Binghamton is a great school, but expensive. Unlikely any merit there. It’s very difficult to get enough money out of a SUNY to bring the costs down because of last dollar nature of Excelsior.
I understand that you have been to Cosmetology school, and I commend you on having a great skill that will likely make you employable. Still, it’s difficult making much more than min wage at a lot of salons In NY state, outside of Metro area. Also, transportation issues might come into play. My hairdresser’s daughter is trained in this regard, and experienced, having worked in her mother’s salon for years, but found getting an on campus job much more lucrative and convenient when she went away for college. She is at a smaller SUNY now, after getting two years of college credits living at home. She and family could not afford to send her away to college till this year, after saving money during the first two years while going to a CUNY and commuting. They stashed money away during those first years , something they had not done for first 18 years of her life. College is paid for by past, present and future earnings, and not having enough in savings means you gotta make it up in present earnings and Loans.