Chance me! Junior from Midwest, FRC robotics leadership, State music honors, trying to get into top 10 school for physics [MO resident, 3.9 GPA, 30 ACT]

So current for tuition room and board - so not books, travel, eating out etc is $62.6k. It will be higher next year.

If you get $6250, you’re over $56k a year.

You can borrow $5500 - note that is a loan that must be paid back. With interest.

So you’re $51k but with money to have to pay back later.

How much are your parents giving ?

How will you make up the delta, assuming there is one ?

CU is strong for physics. But there are less expensive and also very good if needed.

Good luck.