<p>I feel like I'm the only person here who hasn't received any merit aid. I applied mostly to state schools (Virginia) thinking they would be cheaper but I didn't win any scholarships from them and they cost a staggering $20,000~ a year (total cost of attendance). My parents say they have the money but I don't want to put them through the wringer like that! Now I'm kicking myself for not applying to places that would give me aid or retaking the SAT so that I could get aid from at least one school (Pitt).</p>
<p>QandA…Merit aid, along with many other types of FA, was less available this year than in the past. Unfortunately, with many states in a budget crisis and decreasing funding to state universities that trend is likely to continue. Getting merit aid to an OOS school wouldn’t necessarily make it a less expensive alternative, so don’t beat yourself up over what “might have been”.</p>
<p>It’s refreshing to see a student who is trying to make themselves aware of the financial realities of attending college these days. There are far too many threads in these forums with students who got accepted to their “dream” school and can’t understand why their parents won’t take out $30-$40K per year in loans to let them attend. Or worse yet, parents who aren’t aware of how financially disastrous taking on that amount of debt can be.</p>
<p>It sounds like your parents have some money available to pay for your college costs and are willing to do so, and that’s great to see as well. There are also too many threads on CC where parents are unable or unwilling to help pay for their child’s college costs, and that’s truly a shame. It may not feel like it to you right now, but you’ve made some smart decisions by applying to IS schools to keep the costs more manageable and being aware of (and appreciative of) the financial sacrifices of paying for college puts you well ahead of many of your peers.</p>
<p>Attend your chosen college and make the most of your time there. Show your parents that you appreciate their financial outlay by maximizing your potential and working hard, but play hard (just a little 
) as well because believe it or not your parents want that for you as well. It sounds like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, and you’ll do great at whichever school you choose. Good Luck!!</p>
<p>Getting a substantial award is not an easy thing. My son’s in state options are his least expensive. The one school where he could go for virtually free if he commutes is not what he wants to do. </p>
<p>Many middle income families whose kids do get some nice merit and financial aid packages find that the privates with aid come to about what the state school costs without it. And that’s often with some nice packages. I happen to think $20-30K in grant money is a pretty good deal, but when the sticker price is in the mid $50K range, it’s a long way from free. Also most fin aid packages include loans and work study, and you get those loans yourself even now, most likely and find a job for 10-15 hours a week that can make a nice dent in your costs.</p>
<p>I find it very admirable that you are worried about the money your parents are willing to pay for your education. Do them proud and study hard at college.</p>
<p>You can help reduce the costs by taking a summer job and also getting a part-time job while you are on campus. Buying your books used and taking a slightly less expensive meal plan can also put a dent in your total bill. If you’ve filled out the FAFSA, you can take out an unsubsidized Stafford loan if you need it. If your school allows undergraduates to live off campus, you might be able to save some money doing that after the first year.</p>
<p>If you do well in your major, you might see if they have some departmental scholarships once you are at school as well.</p>
<p>Best wishes to you!</p>
<p>Make lemonade out of lemons…</p>
<p>Work over the summer and earn/save as much as you can to pay for books and other school costs. </p>
<p>Work a few hours per week while in school to earn “pocket money” for day-to-day expenses.</p>
<p>BTW…most kids do NOT get merit aid. So, don’t feel bad. Do your best in school and perhaps you’ll be able to earn a dept scholarship for continuing students.</p>
<p>Compare cost saving options carefully - at D1’s school the meal plans are very little difference in cost for a semester - for an extra $100 or so all meals are covered as opposed to only two meals per day. </p>
<p>Renting books is not always as cheap as it sounds - buying used proved more cost effective for us (particularly good if you buy the books early, the later you wait the more likely that good copies for low prices are gone).</p>