crouton

Currently I have finished my first year of school (2007-2008). I took fall of 2008 off from school (family reasons). Due to those family reasons, our income has dropped considerably to just about 25k/yr

Though we do have a lot in savings, it is really quite unfeasible for us to use that money as they have to be saved in case the health insurance runs out for my aforementioned family member.

I go to a school that gives very good financial aid, so I'm talking with the office and getting in all of the forms that they need me to get in. But, if things don't work out with this school, it looks like I'll need to transfer to a less expensive school.

SO-

What schools will give you an automatic free ride/a great portion of tuition etc. for having an income level where ours is, regardless of savings? I know that places like Harvard and Stanford have those policies in place, and while they aren't out of the range of my current school they are reaches for everybody. Are there any other schools with similar policies that I should look into?

Thanks very much

sueinphilly

FinAid | Answering Your Questions | No Loans for Low Income Students

some of these schools may only have this policy for incoming freshmen

crouton

Thanks for the link, Sue. Nice to have a good consolidated list like that.

I'm also wondering though - how are colleges likely to view my circumstances (We have an incredibly low income level now, but quite a bit of money that was saved away...)

Thanks for any input.

Also, if my current school weren't able to give me the amount of aid I need now, they might be able to give it to me in the fall because my younger brother is also starting school in the fall. However, I would also want to send out some transfer applications just in case my current school couldn't quite do it for me. Is it possible to send out those transfer applications but still be eligible to return to the school I am currently at?

Thanks very much

sueinphilly

FinAid | Calculators | Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and Financial Aid

run the numbers. If your school uses the CSS profile, use the institutional method. Be advised that some of the schools on that list may use your info different than that formula (and they may have their own FA form too). I honestly don't know how they will look at a low salary and 'alot' of money saved.

also, just because the Parents contribution may be zero, the student will probably still be expected to contribute from summer earnings and/or work study jobs

if you do end up with a zero efc, you will be getting max Pell grants. But beyond the schools on that list, not every school guarantees to meet full need