UC-Berkeley for Out-of-State Financial Aid?

<p>Does anyone here know what UC-Berkeley is like in terms of financial aid for out-of-state students? I'd love to go there, but always considered UC schools expensive, even for in-state students, let alone out-of-state students. </p>

<p>Merit may well for out for UC-Berkeley, even though I have GPA unweighted 3.8+, weighted 4.3+. My SAT was 1200 CR & Math. National Honor Society and rigorous course schedule. Average to above-average ECs, but babysitting only job experience to date. </p>

<p>I have only a rough estimate what our EFC will be on FAFSA, but believe it will be no higher than $11K and probably less. I'd love to hear from anyone who knows from a Berkeley financial aid package might be like for a student like myself. Thanks!</p>

<p>I do not know about OOS, but the aid I have seen for in state kids:
Pell grants- EFC below $5000
Cal Grants- would not apply to you, but does your state offer a grant
SEOG grants for low EFC
SMART grant-if you qualify
ACG grant- if you qualify
Alumni scholarship, you must apply
Regents- awarded, but primarily on SAT, I believe
Chancellors- same
Byrd- awarded by each state, so depends on your state rules</p>

<p>The merit awards are tough to obtain and your EFC seems higher than the Pell limits, so I don't see a great picture for you :( But you can certainly try and see what happens, I just would not plan on it being a strong option. You might contact the finaid dept and ask them what an average package would look like for an OOS with $11k EFC</p>

<p>I'm wondering this for UCB and UCLA too</p>

<p>With an EFC of around 11,000 you will not qualify for federal grant aid. For 2008-2009 the EFC must be below 4042 to qualify for Pell. To get the ACG you must also be pell eligible. SMART is only for 3rd and 4th year students anyway but also requires Pell eligibility. SEOG eligibility is determined by each school but is often set at 0 EFC.</p>

<p>For federal aid you should qualify for loans and also possibly Work Study.</p>