<p>Basically, I want to know: Will private school offer more financial aid than state schools (assuming you're instate)? I have heard both sides of the argument and I want to know what others think.</p>
<p>I depends....... just the answer you were expecting, I bet. ;) It depends on the financial aid policies of the private school, the costs and other scholarships available at the public. Also it depends on the financial need and/or merit scholarship potential of the student. There really isn't an easy answer.</p>
<p>In my opinion, as a generalization, publics will be cheaper than privates... that is assuming you drop the handful of highly selective privates that meet full need without student loans for students in certain income ranges. But those are a small, small percentage of private colleges. Hard to get into, and you don't say anything about your family's financial circumstances.</p>
<p>On the other hand, yes, in certain cases privates can not only be cheaper than publics, but even <em>much</em> cheaper.</p>
<p>That is great :)
Most of my choices are private so that just makes it so much easier for my family!</p>
<p>Just keep in mind that financial aid from private schools is extremely variable. Apply to them for sure, but make sure you <em>also</em> apply to schools that you know you can afford if it comes to that... and try to make those more affordable schools ones you would actually like to attend!</p>
<p>"In my opinion, as a generalization, publics will be cheaper than privates... that is assuming you drop the handful of highly selective privates that meet full need without student loans for students in certain income ranges. But those are a small, small percentage of private colleges. Hard to get into, and you don't say anything about your family's financial circumstances."</p>
<p>If you're so lucky to get into one of those few schools, you probably have the resume to receive a lucrative merit scholarship from a public.</p>
<p>Something else to understand -- private schools calculate need differently than most public schools. At most public schools, you complete the FAFSA and that EFC is the one used by the college to calculate your financial aid.</p>
<p>At private schools, they generally use the Profile or a form of their own. Most will include home equity and non-custodial spouse income and asset information when calculating need.</p>