@lookingforward That ^^ is exactly what they did. With no income to give say $10K in Pell + other gov programs, and then invite you to take out a PLUS and other loans for the remaining $25K/ year, is “gapping” to me. NO grants or work study from the college. And for the college to define meeting your need 100% as “take out what would amount to $100K” (over 4 years) is making sure you don’t attend. Just don’t call it “meeting 100% need”. Or call it whatever you want but it does not make sense, except in a (you fill in the blanks-- fraudulent, unethical, we make it up as we go along, etc) way.
Overall it does not attract me to that school, but that’s just me. YMMV
But you are right to advise to only do what is affordable.
I have some hurt feelings because I do feel what they did was unethical.