<p>I wanted to post this on the parents board because I figured that since you pay the bills for college you will probably have the most insight into my problem. </p>
<p>I am a lower middle class student(not minority) looking at colleges like Bryn Mawr, Davidson, and Dickinson, and obviously money is a big issue. It took pretty much all of the year just talking my parents into letting my visit these colleges...they are worried about me getting my hopes up and then not being able to afford my first choice. And loans aren't really an option for me. I don't want that much dept. When I did my EFC it came out to be about 12,296, but my parents are able to pay about 15,000. My question is: Is it realistic to expect atleast 25,000 from the schools I listed above? I know they say they offer 100% need, but that is to their own determination. I have visted Bryn Mawr and Dickinson and I loved them both, and I plan on applying. They are both match schools for me, so I will not be counting on any merit aid. Should I start visting cheaper state schools? Any replys are greatly appreciated! Thanks</p>
<p>peep - I will let others chime in about whether and how these "100% need" schools will provide your full need amount. However, I believe it is a pretty good bet that there will at least be SOME loans, so if you want such a school and your parents aren't going to take on loans, you should plan on some debt. Obviously not $25K/year - totally agree with your aversion to that.</p>
<p>"Should I start visiting cheaper state schools?" The answer depends on where you stand at this point in identifying "sure bet" schools for you - sure bets both as to admissions likelihood and affordability. Have you already identified some? You definitely need them and <em>as we always say here on cc</em>, you need ones that you love. When April 1 comes, if Bryn-Davids-Dickins don't come through with acceptances and acceptable finaid packages, you want some attractive choice to consider. These could be "cheaper state schools" OR they could be schools a notch or two down in selectivity which are as much like Bryn-Dav-Dickins as you can get. That would be my recommendation - you want to go a notch down for reasons of surer likelihood of admission and for possibilities of merit aid which can make the financial package more workable. Also, you should consider state schools which have Honors Colleges or other learning communities which could give you that "LAC" feel within the larger university umbrella.</p>