<p>Assuming I get into SBU (Stony Brook University, SUNY), what is the likelihood I will be able to cover the costs of attendance? I have an EFC of 0. I am a NYS resident.</p>
<p>I know that I should be able to get full TAP/Pell grants (~$10k/year), but the direct cost of attendance is $16,722.00, and estimated direct + indirect yearly costs is more like $19,490.00.</p>
<p>With student loans, does it seem likely I can afford it? Also, are there any other grants I should be applying for with my low EFC?</p>
<p>Were you eligible to apply to any of your programs through EOP? If you are picked up through EOP, you would get ~ an additional $2k in grant funds and a book stipend. </p>
<p>Are you eligible for the Honors program?</p>
<p>Otherwise, chances are slim for more money coming your way from SUNY</p>
<p>Looking back at your stats, it doesn’t seem like you would be EOP eligible. But it’s likely that you’ll cover the direct costs with the Pell, TAP, Stafford, and Perkins. There are several other grants that SBU might offer you - SEOG, SUSTA, and work study - you don’t have to apply for those as they’re awarded based on EFC and available funding. The grants will probably only be for a few hundred dollars each and work study isn’t something you can really count on (but definitely accept it and try to get a job on campus). </p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry to much about the total COA of $19K - obviously you’ll need to budget for books and some personal expenses, but most of the indirect cost is well within your control. You migh consider cutting your direct costs by requesting a lower priced room and a smaller meal plan than they budget for (ie. if it’s 19 meals a week and you’re not a big breakfast eater, etc.). Make sure you apply for any local scholarships and let your GC know that you have a low EFC and are looking for additional funding as well. As mom2 said, save as much as you can from working, graduation gifts, etc. and try to keep a decent cushion in your account in case funding is cut or tuition/fees increase suddenly. When you get on campus, you might apply for Student Support Services as they can be helpful in providing guidance, access to scholarships, tutoring, etc. for minority and low income students.</p>
<p>Hmmm…maybe but I think it would be a longshot as his scores and gpa are within the accepted range. His SAT scores are even within range for merit aid! Doesn’t EOP still require that they not be admissible under regular admission standards? With the academic EC’s and AP classes, I don’t think they would consider him educationally disadvantaged. I only know a few kids who were admitted under EOP and their stats were much lower and it was clear that they would need the extra academic support. YMMV</p>
<p>It is definitely as hard as that and it has been my experience that they do and will provide some wiggle room. A lot depends on what the high school profile looks like. They will take into consideration graduation rates, title I funding, URM and if student is a first generation and even if his/her GC has developed a relationship with the EOP admissions staff (as they can certainly float the scenario past them). If Op is a male this could be in his favor because a lot of SUNYs are trying to do more to gender balance this year.</p>
<p>I still think to be on the safe side, the student should plan on getting a summer job and build up some savings.</p>
<p>Even just the need to have some funds to get the things for your dorm can be an problem for those with EFC 0. </p>
<p>Or, having the funds “up front” to buy books. Some low income kids on CC have posted that they didn’t have the money to order their textbooks because they didn’t have their loan money in time. </p>
<p>There can be some unpredictable expenses and just the need to have some “pocket money” to go have pizza with the group on Friday nights or go to the movies with the group on Saturdays. </p>
<p>I don’t know if this student plans on taking a car to campus or what. But, student cars can be money pits, and if his family can’t pay for repairs and such, it could fall to him and impact him overall.</p>
<p>And, since work-study funds are paid out periodically like a job, I really think that savings from a summer job would help this student with “cash flow”. Students with 0 EFCs often cannot turn to family to help with that issue.</p>
<p>My kid’s school lets you charge your books to your account. Since it also participates in the SallieMae tuition payment plan, this lets you spread the cost out through 9 or 10 months.
Just a thought…</p>
<p>That’s a nice feature…not sure how many schools let you do that. Plus, it means that you must buy your books thru the school, which isn’t always the cheapest method.</p>
<p>I’ve seen that at some of the SUNY CC’s but not at the 4 year schools I’m familiar with…def not at UB. I agree that it seems a good way to spend more than one actually needs to…I guess if that’s the only way the kid can get their books, it’s better than nothing though.</p>
<p>From the research I’ve done it seems unlikely that I will be able to get merit aid due to my low GPA. Similarly, unfortunately the honors program is out of reach as well. My GPA (9-11) UW is 3.0. I just took the SAT again, and I will probably score 2000+ (1400+ CR & M).</p>
<p>Oh, and one other small question. Before applying for TAP you need to have determined where you plan on going and be accepted, correct? I was looking at the application and it seemed as if you could only apply under a single school.</p>
<p>Well, not really. You can only put one NYS school on your TAP app but you can amend your app if you change your mind…or call HESC and they will update it for you. You really don’t have to rush the TAP app like you did for FAFSA as it doesn’t have an early deadline and schools aren’t going to use it to determine any other awards like SEOG, Perkins or work-study. When do you expect to hear from SBU?</p>
<p>Have you also applied to some state schools to which you can commute? Those would be most affordable for you. With a zero EFC, Pell and Tap will can cover tuition, fees, books, commuting costs. It’s that room and board nut that is a tough one. You should have a safety school on your list just as everyone should, and a local college that would be covered by aid if you commute would fit that bill.</p>
<p>Yes, I have applied to some more local universities that I could commute to.</p>
<p>I have a question pertaining to stafford loans. The loan limitiations state:
“Independent Undergraduate Student <a href=“and%20dependent%20students%20whose%20parents%20are%20unable%20to%20obtain%20PLUS%20Loans”>b</a>**” can take $9,500 in loans their first year. Seeing as my EFC is 0 does that mean I should fit into that category?</p>