Merit aid?

Paying for College
1

<p>I'm looking at applying to various state run schools as an out of state student. My parents have always had the mindset that they will pay for 4 years of undergraduate studies before they send us out on our own.</p>

<p>Here I am, as the third child, and I was looking at some state colleges in North Carolina (ECU, UNCG, UNCW) and was wondering what my chances were of receiving aid without need? I definitely won't qualify for need based- my father makes about $350k a year, but being the third child to be put through private high school and through college- even $30k per year seems like a lot.</p>

<p>Am I better off looking to the private schools i'm applying to for merit aid?</p>

2

<p>Unless the school has some merit aid on their web site there is no chance of you getting aid except for being able to get a Stafford loan if your family files through FAFSA. Check out their web sites. For instance Alabama offers good merit aid for high scorers with good grades.</p>

3

<p>That’s alright… I won’t be looking into any loans- way to succeed. “Here’s a diploma, now start paying me interest on that 25k you borrowed.”</p>

<p>I’ll just stick to letting my parents pay, since they are being so nice about it.</p>

4

<p>Why are you looking for public universities in states that are not your own? Those are the worst situations for aid. You have better chances of getting aid at private universities and colleges than you do at OOS public universities.</p>

<p>Your first financial bet will be your own state’s public universities.</p>

<p>Talk to your parents. You may be surprised - they may expect you to borrow at least a little Stafford loans. A lot of wealthy parents do, even if they can pay for their child’s full education. Find out how much they are willing to pay and what they expect from you.</p>

5

<p>They have made it quite clear that they don’t want me taking on any loans and that they will pay my full schooling costs.</p>

<p>And I am looking at OOS public universities because I have hardly any interest in my universities in Maryland.</p>

6

<p>What are your stats and what is your major? </p>

<p>If your stats are strong enough, then some OOS schools will give you merit.</p>

<p>:)</p>

7

<p>I’m still a junior, but I expect to have the following for college application:</p>

<p>4.2 W GPA (3.75 or so unweighted)
6 AP Classes (Either completed or currently enrolled)
12-14 Total honors classes (Same as above.)
NHS member</p>

<p>1770 SAT (Mid sophomore year, hoping for 1850-1900 for end of Junior year)
28 ACT (Hoping to up to 29-30)</p>

<p>Club officer of 2 clubs… anyhow. I want to major in communications and/or political science.</p>