<p>Your parents combined income is $100k, or each one makes $100k? The higher the income, the less need based aid you can get. My husband and I have a combined income of just over $60k and will be full pay at most colleges unless our kids qualify for merit awards. We make too much to qualify for either Pell or the NYS Tuition grant, so we’re having to depend on savings, the federal student loan, and whatever money our kids can earn. Does your mom have any money put aside for you? Knowing what she can contribute every year is important. </p>