<p>If child picks a 52K a yr school vs a 30K a yr school we still only need to worry about 15 K a yr out of pocket regardless???</p>
<p>No.</p>
<p>IF the school meets 100% of need ( and MOST schools do not), then your need can be met with any combination of loans, grants & work-study.
So if COA is $30K & they meet need, they might offer a $10K scholarship, & $5K subsidized Stafford loan. leaving you with the $15K.</p>
<p>However, if the school has COA of $30K and EFC is $15K, & they DON’T meet need.
They might offer a grant of $5K, Subsidized Stafford of $5K and leaving your family with $5K of unmet need and $20K to pay.</p>