<p>so anyway, we sent in or FA info to that one place that figures out how much you can pay and then sends it to school, we rquested a copy of the info they sent to schools. They said we could afford 20,000 a year.</p>
<p>um, no.</p>
<p>with three kids, a house, plane tickets from oregon to the east coast, and regular costs and payments, we definitely can't pay that much without going completely broke.</p>
<p>i'm applying to teh big endowment schools like andover and exeter, is this really how much they think we can pay?</p>
<p>NeLLy RaE, Most schools will use this as a guide, not as the gospel. Once you get the acceptances, you have the opportunity to plead your FA case. One of the things I don't like about FAFSA is it's really geared to one child in college. Schools know that it doesn't take enough account of the expenses of other children in the family and that BS is up to four years of expenses while a family is still trying to save for college. Remember, too, that there is financing available that can help to relieve the sting.</p>
<p>NellyRaE, Andover gave my d far, far more than the EFC would indicate. If they want you, and the school has a big endowment, do <em>not</em> be discouraged by the EFC. I never thought she could go till I got the FA award. I was amazed at what Andover made possible, and still am. Don't worry. Well, worry, but know that it's not as bleak as it might seem. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks so much youg guys! i almsot died when i heard the number earlier, gla dto see that not all hope is lost yet!</p>
<p>Don't be discouraged...the schools really do use it as a guide and many are very generous over and above the recommendation. You will most likely be quite surprised with the FA if the school really likes you and wants you.</p>
<p>Nelly, for most families it's like financing college. Some will come from their present income but some will come from savings and loans. Many schools will help them for loans when you are accepted.</p>
<p>We have gone completely broke to finance our kids sports and schooling (and will be paying loans for many years to come). We were so broke, that by the time we got to bs for my youngest, we did get a big grant. You do what you have to do.</p>