<p>You’re correct in assuming that it varies by school…in general, while many kids with low EFC’s will get a higher dollar amount of aid, they may not have 100% of need met simply because their need is so great. If PA public schools are reasonably priced and your state aid is good, you may find that a Stafford/Perkins loan (in addition to the federal/state awards) will come close to meeting full need. I would approach it from that side - estimate what you think your child would be eligible for if they were attending next year and then find at least a few financial safeties around that price range. If you anticipate that your student will have good grades, rank, and test scores and can add guaranteed merit aid to the mix, you may be able to find quite a few.</p>