<p>@Mocity That was really sweet, thank you.
@lots2do Thank you. 
Will look into that</p>
<p>The cheapest university for a lower income (Pell-grant qualifying) student is Rice. They do take into account first gen status (if neither parent got a 4-year college degree), whether English is your first language, whether you had to overcome obstacles, whether you have to work to help your family.
DO apply.
Other colleges that often offer similar packages as the Texas Public universities include St Edward’s, Austin College, Southwestern University, Trinity University.
If you can apply to colleges 400+miles from home, especially if they’re in other States, you may have a shot at a preferential package (ie., better financial aid, fewer loans, more grants), so look at private colleges in the Midwest and South. Try to apply widely to see which colleges may offer you the best financial aid package then look at value (what do you get for you money).</p>