<p>What is the deal here with financial aid? If I am in-state in Michigan, what kind of fin aid package can I expect potentially? Is it more expensive to go in-state to UMich-Ann Arbor, or more expensive to go to say Northwestern? What about MSU or Grand Valley State University? Any thoughts?</p>
<p>If you can get into Michigan, and like the school, I really suggest going there. It is like one of top 3 publics in the country, relatively cheap for in-state residents, etc. I dunno about financial aid though, since its already about 1/3 of the price of Northwestern.</p>
<p>In-state @ Michigan=$19,000+/year (MSU, GVSU cheaper)
Northwestern=$44,000+/year</p>
<p>You can find a lot of financial aid calculators that will help you calculate your expected financial contribution. As the previous poster shows, it's highly likely that Michigan state schools will be significantly less expensive even once you get an aid package.</p>
<p>Michigan will meet 100% of your demonstrated need all four years if you're a resident. However, you really have to see the packages to know what's cheaper for you--that can vary. Some packages will have more grant, less loan, etc.</p>
<p>Unless your stats are off the charts, Michigan will be your best deal, and its an excellent school to boot.</p>
<p>If you are in a low-income family, you might find a private LAC or two that would reduce your cost below that of Michigan, via a combination of need and merit aid. That combination can be pretty tough to come by.</p>
<p>I agree that it can be wildly variable depending upon your income. For us, it was much more cost effective to go to Brown U than UC Berkeley instate.</p>