<p>It is highly unlikely that you would even be able to secure loans in your own name for a huge amount of money. If you AND your parents complete the FAFSA you would be eligible at least for the Stafford loans…but those are a drop in the bucket when looking at the cost of attendance at a four year residential college.</p>
<p>In most cases, ED applicants are also asked to submit their Profile by a priority filing date so that the school can compute a financial aid package. You will need to provide your parents’ information on this form. The school will use it to compute your aid. To be frank…the school doesn’t care what your family WANTS to give…they only care about what the computations say they CAN give.</p>
<p>If your family seriously will not pay for college, why did they sign an ED agreement? Why are you applying ED if you have no way to pay for your college bills?</p>
<p>I just checked the Duke website for information about ED financial aid deadlines. The deadline info is listed for November 1 and later…which makes me wonder if you have already missed the priority deadline for financial aid for ED students. Most schools have a priority deadline for the Profile so that they can give an estimated need based packet with the acceptance (if there is one).</p>
<p>Duke does meet 100% of calculated need. BUT your family contribution on an income of $115,000 per year will likely be between $28,000 and $37,000 a year. That means that your family would need to pay (estimated) somewhere around these amounts for next year (1/4-1/3 or your family’s gross income…an estimate). Where will that come from if your parents are not willing to contribute?</p>
<p>I think you need to have a very serious talk with your parents ASAP regarding your post high school plans and just what they DO expect you to be doing. </p>
<p>I agree…you should change your application to RD.</p>
<p>What reason did your parents give for NOT contributing to your education? Is this a financial thing or is there some other reason they can’t help you out?</p>