<p>Good advice from posters. Do a couple NPC’s yourself. You may have a FAFSA EFC of 20,000, but the schools don’t have to follow that at all, most will “gap” you. eg. Top notch publics may give you $O. If you’re out of state, that could mean a cost of $45,000+. Privates may give you more, but still you could have a cost of $30-40,000.</p>
<p>It is really mature of you to ask your parents for a hard number for their contribution, so you can figure out where to apply. Again, try doing a few NPC’s and then show them the results. Ask them “is this number realistic, could you pay this much?” about each one. Maybe that’s a way to get them to come to some sort of $$ amount.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>