<p>Many schools gap…and many schools fudge by calling it met need by offering you loans. You will have to apply to several schools and compare offers and decide then. Stay away from any ED applications. Only use non committal EA applications for now. </p>
<p>But whatever, do not exclude yourself now from any school where you are well qualified because you think you can’t afford it. You never know what happens.</p>
<p>It is very true that some lower rank schools will use merit aid to recruit you. Perhaps USF will do that, and its a fine school from what I have heard. Of course you have to visit your choices and ask around and get your own personal vibe. </p>
<p>Financial safeties are what you envision: schools where you are clearly going to be admitted and are in the upper 75th or higher percentile of their admitted students stats. They are likely to give you merit aid. Small private colleges have more leeway than people realize, even if their endowment is not huge. </p>
<p>Look at Loyola Colleges: New Orleans, Chicago, Maryland for example. All three of them are stellar schools. </p>
<p>Schools are familiar with divorces and will simply ask for tax returns etc from both parents and home valuations on FAFSA. Don’t fret about money now. Focus instead on the best schools for you where you can envision yourself attending and being happy and performing very well. It will all work out in the end. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>