There are lots of students who are accepted to schools they really want to attend and the students end up having a major reality check. That check is the one that isn’t able to be written by parents to pay tuition, books, and room/board. Being able to afford the school ends up moving many kids’ school choice rankings. USNWR’s rankings don’t deposit into parental checking accts.
OP- its really, really unlikely that there are any scholarship opportunities available outside the school that (a) are still open to apply and (b) that would give you what you want. But really, if you want to look for them, its better to look yourself than to ask folks here to do that for you. If you want the school badly enough, take ownership of the process. Just sayin’.
@anon46588668, You can’t borrow enough to pay for the OOS school. Yes, it’s possible to be accepted but not be able to pay. That happens to many, many students.
How much do your in state options cost? If they’re ~$20k/year and your mom only gives you $5k, even with the federal student loan ($5500) you’re ~$10k short. Unless you qualify for merit or your mom gives you more money and you get a job to make up the rest, I don’t know how you’ll be able to afford that. Are any of the schools within commuting distance?
I have to confirm what others have posted. My D was admitted to her dream school, but offered no merit aid. At $60k a year, it’s not something we are willing to pay for. She has been coming to terms with the fact that the state flag shipped she was accepted to is her best choice. I had the same experience as a high school senior, accepted to my dream school, not offered enough aid to attend without major debt. I chose an instate school will a fill ride scholarship. You have to make the best of the hand you’re dealt.
A financial reach school is worse than a reach school. A reach school may still grant you admission although at a low chance. A financial reach school leave you hopeless if you do not hit a jackpot of merit aid. That’s why it is so important to run all the NPC when one is putting schools on the list long before filling application. Otherwise, it is a waste of time and money.
I need help. I am going to get a new car and have been told that a Porsche Panamera is the best for me. It costs over $78,000 - which, by the way, is MUCH MUCH less than an education at UIUC. Unfortunately I do not have enough to buy it but there MUST be a way. I have tried to get people to give me money, but the banks will not loan me that much money. So I have a choice: hold out for the Panamera and not have a car to drive to work because I can’t get the money… or… buy a car I can afford and at least have a vehicle to drive to work.
Sarcasm aside (sorry), but you are from Ohio right? A 34 ACT would have gotten you a FULL TUITION merit scholarship from Ohio University which, believe it or not, is a good school (in the top 5% of all colleges: #129 in this year’s USNWR rankings). Ohio University may not be a Panamera, but it’s a great Honda Accord.
The OP probably got full tuition at Miami also with a 34. But I caution the OP, Miamim has tons of hidden fees!
ahsmuoh - can you let us know what the hidden fees are?
DD is planning to apply next year …
Nice wheels, dig. Long time, no see!
Thanks @jym626 I’m actually driving a Honda Fit. Great car, but not a Porsche. I was just trying to make a point that we are not “entitled” to whatever we want. We have to take what we can afford (or work for), even in colleges.
I got it 
Our son I told him sure you could want a Ferrari but if someone offers you a free Porsche you’re not going to take it?
I’ve read at least 8 threads on CC about students surprised that they can’t afford a school they applied to. I think that’s why it’s important for kids and parents to sit down before the kids apply and where everyone knows the max parents can provide and to do some of those NPCs on each colleges website.
Rdtsmith…just an FYI…those net price calculators are NOT accurate for all applicants. If the student’s parents are self employed, own a business, are divorced, own real estate other than the primary residence…or are international students, the NPCs are usually not accurate.
Yes, please give more info about hidden fees at Miami University.
I know but it’s a start. I used a few that didn’t even count assets…but again, it’s better than not doing them.