What Schools are Known for Great Aid?

Paying for College
1

<p>I'm not sure if this is the right section to post in, but I will try here first. </p>

<p>I'm just beginning to think about the college process (rising junior), but money is a big factor for our family. I was just wondering what schools or types of schools are known for giving the best aid. State-schools? Ivies? Top Publics? Top LACs? Any schools in particular? </p>

<p>Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. Thank You. :)</p>

2

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3

<p>It greatly depends on your personal situation. Pure monetarily speaking Community College is the most affordable. They won’t give the best aid though, and schools give aid according to some important factors.</p>

<p>1) Are you an academic all star?
2) Are you poor, lower middle class, upper middle class/rich?
3) Are you URM, not as important really but could play to some advantages financially?
4) Do you have a realistic chance of getting admitted to Tier 1 & Ivy Leagues?
5) What is your current/projected gpa & SAT/ACT score?</p>

<p>The most important factors will be 2 & 4/5 in determining which school is likely to give you the most aid.</p>

4

<p>Are we talking need based aid or merit? Very big difference requiring different strategies. Run some calculators like the one on this site to determined need as colleges see it.</p>

5

<p>I know very little about the differences between need based and merit (besides their basic definitions). </p>

<p>As for pgtori’s questions: </p>

<p>I am pretty middle-middle class (maybe on the slightly lower middle class end, but definitely middle-class). </p>

<p>I am a very strong student, but not a cancer-curing mastermind. I will have probably a 3.8-3.9 GPA when I apply to colleges (my school does not weight). I do think I have a <em>chance</em> of getting into some good schools. I haven’t taken the SAT’s yet but am <em>hoping</em> for a 2000/2100+. </p>

<p>I guess my biggest question is whether state schools or privates are more likely to give the type of aid that would help me the most. I’d be happy to answer any other questions that would be helpful. </p>

<p>Thanks. :)</p>

6

<p>the starting point for all that is your family EFC. You will need to be
able to estimate your parents and your income and assets. There are
any number of online calculators. I like fafsa4caster myself. You also
need a sense of what your parents are willing or able to pay. Talk to
your parents.</p>