First of all I apologize if this question/issue is written about a lot, not really familiar with the site, just come on here once in a while when I have a question about college related things.
Even though Im only a Sophomore, Im confident in my future grades, I have a decent gpa, im taking tough classes and I know ill do alright on the SATS and what not (hopefully). The point is that I know my grades/academics are good enough to get into some more selective schools, but im just not positive that ill be able to afford going there. I am being raised by a single mother (dad is out of the picture entirely) and she makes very little (barely makes minimum). Although my grades are decent, they are no where near enough to get a ‘big’ scholarship. Not really sure how much student aid helps either. If anyone has anything that could be of help that would be awesome 
If your grades aren’t high enough for,a BIG scholarship…they might not be high enough for admission to a school,that meets full need.
So…right now…what is your GPA?
But really…until you have your SAT or ACT score…it’s a shot in the dark suggesting colleges…
weighted is 4.4, unweighted is 3.7 Im not talking about ivies or anything for that matter, Just a college thats a little more selective then the average I guess.
Keep up those grades…and do some prep for your ACT and/or SAT when the time comes.
Once you have those scores…it will be a lot easier to give you suggestions for colleges.
How much can your parents contribute annually?
Every school has a net price calculator - maybe you and your Mom could look at one of those together.
Look into Questbridge when it’s time. It’s specifically for very low income students.
My mother barely makes 20 thousand a year, and most of that is used for everyday living expenses. Im not sure how much she will be able to contribute.
Start working on sat prep now. You’ll need the highest score you can get and that takes practice.
Low income US citizens qualify for a ~$5900/year Pell Grant. They can also take the ~$5500/year federal student loan. Some states offer grants to low income students too. If you tell us what state you’re in, we can find out if your state does.
Keep your grades up and work on test prep. Merit aid is awarded based on GPA and SAT/ACT scores, so start practicing for the tests now. Your local library may have books you can borrow.
I would start looking at Questbridge now, they have programs for underclassman. If you are a minority you could also look at the Gates Scholarship, Horatio Alger etc.
Merit scholarships from the individual schools are your best bet.
Do check out the NPCs of potential colleges, particularly those that would meet your need.
There will be some way for you to complete college! Right now…get the best grades possible…and the best ACT or SAT possible. Then folks here will help,you come up with a plan.
On the issue of financial aid - most schools are going to require financial information from the father, even if the parents are divorced. Sometimes this requirement can be waived in specific cases but that waiver requires an application and letters of support to document the father’s failure to provide financial support over many years.
The very best advice, in my view, give that the original poster is only a sophomore, is to plan to cast a wide net and be willing to consider lots of possibilities. For example, in my area, it has become much more common for strong students to start college at the local community college and then transfer to the local university, which has made such transfers very smooth.
But also, given that there will be options, don’t stress too much! Keep doing what you’re doing, take classes you enjoy, participate in community activities to the extent you are able, and try to establish a relationship with a school counselor (if that is possible). You may need someone who knows your particulars and is aware of local opportunities to help guide you.
Good luck!
That is a absolutely NOT true. The vast majority of colleges are FAFSA only schools that require ONLY the custodial parent information…not the non-custodial parent information.
@thumper1 I stand humbly corrected.
If the OP is an URM, with a WGPA of 4.4, and if test scores are good, she/he may have a shot at being accepted to a full needs-met college. Most of these require the CSS Profile, but they are allowed to waive the requirement to ask for bio dad’s info, with evidence/statement that dad really is out of the picture.
You might be surprised at the amount of needs-based financial aid you might get at some of these schools. I am really encouraged by your statement “'The point is that I know my grades/academics are good enough to get into some more selective schools, but im just not positive that ill be able to afford going there.” If you are URM and have good enough grades to get into more selective schools, you are VERY desirable to them. Many of these schools have truly fantastic FA policies, especially for families earning so little, you could easily qualify for a full ride. And most of them offer application fee waivers to families who qualify for free lunch programs, so you may be able to cast a wide net with very little cost. It does not sound like you are afraid of hard work, like writing a lot of application essays.
OP, it might be a good idea to schedule some time with your HS guidance counselor, and let us know what they say about where other kids from your HS have gone. They may not know all that much, but they are also usually happy to help a smart, hardworking kid like you out. When you succeed, it’s not just a win for you. You sound like the type of student that makes a difference.
Best of luck to you. Feel free to PM me if you are not comfortable sharing more publicly.