PapaSmurf

I didn't mean to sound snobby, but I'm just saying that I wouldn't want to lower my standards for money. By standards, I'm not just talking about prestige, but also student life, and how the school fits my personality. That's why I'm still considering Pittsburgh: it's in a cool city, it seems laid back, and it's also ranked #56 by usnwr...so I guess I shouldn't have said equal or greater prestige...but more like ranked at least as high as MSU. I'm a superficial *******...I know

LurkNessMonster

The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering might be a good fit for you, but it's not certain that you would get merit money. If you are an URM, your chances would be better. I don't know if half Filipino would be considered URM, but you never know.

Pitt often gives full-tuition scholarships (NOT full-ride) for those who have a SAT of at least 1450 (M/CR) or an ACT of 34. You're a bit under that, but Pitt does make exceptions. Also, you may be invited to compete for the Chancellor's Scholarship, which IS a full ride. However, that is very competitive, and you would need Ivy-level ECs and interests, from what I have observed. Out of 450 applicants, 10 to 15 "full ride" scholarships are awarded a year.

If you got the full-tuition scholarship, that would bring your annual costs down to about $11,000 (room and board). Additionally, the engineering school gives out a separate scholarship, which can be stacked.

If you look on the Pitt board of CC, there is a poster Emi2008 who is a sophomore engineering student who is having a good experience. I believe she is URM. You can do a search for her posts.

Chancellor’s Scholarship

stillearning

Definitely consider Miami. Someone already posted the scholarship info here. If you are accepted, they will let you know how much money they can offer you. If it's not as much as you are looking for, all you lose is the application fee. The only drawback I see is that it's not close to home for you, so that's more $$$ you'll be spending for travel (and it does add up). Other than that, I don't see why you wouldn't apply and see if you're awarded a full ride or close to it. SOMEONE is going to get it, might as well be you.

Collegesamaritan

Merit based scholarships are good but they usually stipulate that you keep a certain GPA to remain eligible. I have come across a program call Scholarzhipzone http://freebies.web44.net/Scholarshipzone (not sure if anyone else had heard of it before) that offers a $10,000 scholarship for one year, and you have to apply again for each year, but at least it is not merit based :-)