<p>How do you plan to cover the $12K gap between your EFC and what your parents are able/willing to pay? Are you considering private loans (in addition to any federal student loans that might be offered as part of college aid packages)? If so, are your parents willing to borrow that much?</p>
<p>You probably should rule out most OOS public universities (too expensive, not enough aid). The lowest OOS costs, at schools like Minnesota-Morris and Truman State, are still above $20K. Most private schools that claim to cover full need will be reaches (<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2013/09/18/colleges-that-claim-to-meet-full-financial-need-2014”>http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2013/09/18/colleges-that-claim-to-meet-full-financial-need-2014</a>). Many of them are super reaches or are small LACs with no engineering programs. The University of Southern California is the largest of these schools, has a big sports scene, and should be within reach for your stats. Try running their online Net Price Calculator to see if they leave you with an EFC of $18K or less.</p>