<p>“Oh yeah you worked hard for years to get into a good school, but because your parents won’t pay for it, take 25th best and go to State U.” </p>
<p>But, that is more or less the reality. If the OP needed substantial merit aid to attend, he aimed too high with this list of schools. </p>
<p>OB1…have you and your parents had a serious discussion with real numbers? Do they truly understand the loan burden you will have? Is their wiggle room or are they inflexible?</p>