<p>I think it’s great that you are looking at a number of choices. There is no reason why you should not include RIT as a school on your list. See what pans out. But also make sure you have included schools that you know you can afford without contingencies and that you know will take you. Also as, Rmidad, notes, make sure you understand that if you do get a fin aid package from a school, that first year award will reflect 2 in college and will jack up in costs to you once he is out of school. Merit aid would not take that into consideration, but fin aid would.</p>
<p>If your are more flexible in your choice of major, similar subject matter but not so specific, there would be other schools for you to consider such as Edinburgh College and other local schools. Robert Morris is private and does not tend to meet need, and PS Behrend does not guarantee to meet need either. Unless you can commute to them, the costs can be high. If you are looking at schools where you will need room and board, getting full need can be tough. </p>
<p>How much are your parents going to be able to pay for your education? Be aware that other than $5500 your first year that you pretty much certainly can take out yourself in Direct loans, there are no other guarantees as to what aid you will get. You are not going to be able to borrow without a parent or other credit worthy adult involved. No problem that you give it a try and apply to schools in hopes that you get some money, but there is no guarantee that you will. Most schools do not meet full need most of the time. None of the three you have listed do. So make sure you have some failsafe choices in place.</p>