<p>*My mom says maybe 10K a year is what they can contribute, with the first year fully covered due to savings plans. But she has to consult my father. If my mom gets a job that number will go up. I’ve tried to confront them on finances several times but they keep avoiding it and I get no clear number. The number seems grim as it stands now.</p>
<p>I don’t think I’m low income but our income only comes from my father. He makes about 80-90K a year.*</p>
<p>You are not low income. You are middle income. Low income is like $40k or less. </p>
<p>With an income of - say $85k - your EFC will likely be around $18,000 per year. That is WAY over the threshold for federal grants. That threshold is around $4600 and that is only for a small amount. </p>
<p>When you talk to your parents you need to explain that their income is too high for you to get much aid…except for maybe a small student loan ($5500) and maybe some work-study.</p>
<p>If your mom begins working, that would help. Even though your mom’s income would eventually increase your EFC, it shouldn’t matter much because you EFC is already higher than they can pay. </p>
<p>You need to apply to your instate schools (not just UMich and MSU). You also need to apply to a state school that you could commute to as a financial safety.</p>
<p>Your predicament is common. You have an unaffordable EFC, your stats aren’t high enough for schools that give the best aid, so your choices will be more limited. </p>
<p>However, it’s best to know this NOW…too many kids find this out in the spring of senior year after and then have no affordable schools. </p>
<p>Apply to ESF and Mich. Tech. If your stats are strong enough for those schools, you might get a scholarship. Check their websites for details.</p>