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<p>I completely understand…but the OP says her family income is 80k for a family of 3…that isn’t “working class”…that is middle class (and it may actually be upper middle class - especially since the family is so small.). The EFC isn’t based on paying out of current income…it is based on the assumption that the parents should have been saving and/or can afford some loans. I realize that is theoretical and not always what parents have done (as in your case where your parents never thought you’d go to college even though you are obviously a very strong student since you got a great merit scholarship ( Can I ask what school?)</p>
<p>I do find it interesting that you say that your sister “is currently paying for her college on her own” - when actually she isn’t. She has receive the Hope scholarship which is paying for her tuition. She is paying for whatever her scholarship doesn’t cover - books, fees, personal expense, etc. Your sister probably could not afford to pay for her tuition PLUS the things that she is already paying for. That kind of highlights the point of my earlier post. Kids today cannot usually pay their own way.</p>
<p>Unless the OPs family has some extenuating circumstances, such a small family should be able to scrape some money together to help their child with college expenses. They may not be currently “motivated” to budget the money because they think the OP can manage the expenses herself…which is why I suggested the “sit down” with the facts.</p>
<p>We’re not rich (by any means), but we manage to pay for all of our kids college expenses that aren’t covered by their scholarships…It has meant driving older cars, minimal vacations, etc…but it’s worth it.</p>