<p>There exists a full ride scholarship at Berkeley, but it is hard to get and for mechanical engineering majors only. Don’t expect generous need based aid at Berkeley, UCLA, or NYU.</p>
<p>If cost is an issue, what is the price limit that you and your parents can pay? Depending on what it is, there may be some colleges whose list price is within your budget even without financial aid.</p>
<p>Also, how does that actual price limit compare to what the colleges determine your expected contribution to be? If your actual price limit is significantly less than your expected contribution, then you need to look for large merit scholarships (often found at less selective schools) or schools whose list price is under your actual price limit.</p>
<p>Try the net price calculators on the web sites of the colleges you are interested in.</p>