<p>This sounds like what they call an admit/deny. They have admitted you but by giving you very little in the way of financial aid, when you have such high need, they are effectively denying you. It sounds like the only grant aid you got was federal (from the amounts you post I am guessing perhaps a Pell of $5350 and an ACG of $750 or possibly some SEOG funds).</p>
<p>You can appeal but I suspect it will be fruitless as they obviously are already aware that you have very high need. But do appeal so you don’t always wonder what would have happened if you had. But sign up for those CC classes. You will probably get a similar amount of aid for CC as you will be eligible for the same amount of Pell wherever you go (assuming the COA exceeds the Pell).</p>