<p>^^ I agree with both those points. However, if the OP can get NMF status it opens up a whole set of schools that would not otherwise be affordable.</p>
<p>Absolutely … that’s why we here on CC always advocate casting a wide net! 
OP may be very pleasantly surprised. It’s just good to be prepared for having to turn some schools down due to insufficient aid packages, though … just in case.</p>
<p>I have a student graduating from NEU this year. Sorry to say their aid is not great. He gets 16K per year in merit aid. That brings the tuition and room/board to around 26K per year. You can probably expect something similar. If your parents can truly only kick in 15K per year you will likely have to borrow 10K per year to go to NEU. He was not NMF so hopefully that will help but I have read lots of posts from students disappointed in NEU’s financial aid.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info everyone.
ebeeeee: I’m really hoping to get NMF!</p>