<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I've been a very frequent lurker who has used CC for college planning and selection and am now in my sophomore year at a decent LAC where I am beginning to feel somewhat limited. My grades have been perfect, my test scores were pretty good, and my extracurriculars in college have very unique (in my opinion), so I feel like I won't have any problems transferring from my current institution. However, I'm in a bit of a quandary.</p>
<p>First, I am on a full merit ride that covers absolutely everything ($45000/year). I don't necessarily want to debate the merits of transferring away from an offer like that, but I still think that it is important to point out for context's sake. </p>
<p>Secondly, I have a sister and brother who are in 12th and 11th grade. Obviously, my sister will be entering college next fall and my brother the year after that. </p>
<p>My family financial situation, without getting too complicated, is basically this:
Combined annual income: $250,000
Investments: $75,000
Equity in home: $200,000</p>
<p>I'm expecting my transfer school to cost $45,000 annually. My sister's school will probably only cost $25,000 (and probably the same for my brother).</p>
<p>I'm guessing that I will not qualify for financial aid, especially in the first year with only my sister and myself in college. Am I incorrect? Should I apply anyway--even if it might hurt my chances for admission (there are some non-need blind top schools especially in regards to transfers)? My sister is applying for financial aid, as her schools are not very competitive and generally give out both merit and combined awards.</p>
<p>What options are there in terms of loans? I'm thinking about applying for FinAid after year one, as I will stand a better chance of gaining aid with my brother in school (and especially if I do well). </p>
<p>My father has told me that he wants to spend only $45000 per year cash out of pocket starting next year. However, this is not to say that he wouldn't be amenable to paying off loans after we are out of school if I can arrange them intelligently....especially loans that would allow him to pay them off immediately and without penalty after I graduate (as money for him won't be an issue after we all graduate in 5 or 6 years).</p>
<p>Anyone with similar experiences? Any ideas? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>