<p>You do need to look at merit awards if his father is going to refuse to contribute. Most of the schools that require the PROFILE which is an additional financial aid form with FAFSA being the first and most basic (needed for government aid eligibility) document. FAFSA takes into account only the custodial parent’s income. Most PROFILE schools are not interested in hearing that a financially able p</p>
<p>MomMary: You’re not on the mortgage? I’d definitely get some legal advice about that, both for financial aid reasons & for your future. </p>
<p>Re: RPI --someone mentioned Troy being run-down. I’d disagree. I see enormous improvement & renovation of the downtown area by the river. It’s a city on the upswing. The school has a great rep, he’s a medalist … worth exploring.</p>
<p>Financial aid is largely based on what your income is the year before your son starts school. So your tax return is going to be the largest determinor of what you get. About 5% of assets are hit up for college expenses, about a third of the student’s assets are taggeds, so if he has college savings, it may be wise to start spending it down. Unfortunately your debts and credit situation are not taken into account. Child support is included as income.</p>
<p>For those schools requiring Profile, the same situation applies to your ex as well. It all comes down to what is on his tax returns. Qualified retirement funds are not included in assets, but if you withdraw money (other than loans) from 401-k or like plans, the withdrawals are considered income, as are loans that you default on from the pensions. Schools vary as to how they include the equity in a home.</p>
<p>MomMary - Welcome. Since this is all new to you, there are several themes in all of the above posts which need to be sorted out.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Need-based aid vs. merit aid: most schools which are really good on one are not good on the other. Very little overlap on great need-based schools and great merit-aid schools.</p></li>
<li><p>Based on #1 above, several of the schools mentioned above won’t work for your S if he needs merit aid. Stanford, for example. And I think (but am not sure) Williams, Cornell and Amherst.</p></li>
<li><p>Critical for you is to estimate your potential for need-based aid. Go to the online calculators for FAFSA and CSS Profile. They will not give you figures you can absolutely count on for need-based aid, because each school seems to handle this a little differently, but they will give you an idea of whether you can expect any need aid at all and the general range.</p></li>
<li><p>You mention credit rating issues. I don’t think that this plays any part in need-based aid. I see cptofthehouse also says this. I know I’m not at all sure of this, but cpt can you verify that this is for sure? That would take one worry away from you.</p></li>
<li><p>Your S needs a list of reach/match and safety schools and “financial safety” schools. The first three are based on your and our and his GCs guesstimates of how his stats and EC profile stack up. That last is a set of schools where he is virtually assured of acceptance <em>and</em> merit aid (because the merit aid is stats-driven and predictable).</p></li>
<li><p>Some suggestions of schools: Villanova, WPI, RPI (already mentioned), Trinity, Fairfield, Santa Clara U, St. Louis U, Vanderbilt, Case Western. These are all schools which I know are good in Engineering/science and which could yield good to great merit aid. I’m sure there are others and some have already been suggested.</p></li>
<li><p>The schools I have listed above are not the “top-ranked” Engineering/science schools. That is because the schools where a student is likely to get merit aid will always be a notch lower in selectivity (even if it is a slight notch lower) than the best schools he could attain. It’s just “by definition” - these schools will be seeking your S and offering merit aid simply because he is at the top of their applicant pool. So, your S needs to get excited about this level of school. It seems like he is already (eg, Lehigh). But sometimes with kids of his outstanding level, people start to tell him that he “should” go to Stanford, Williams, etc. etc. and make him feel bad about “going for less.” He can’t be swayed by this.</p></li>
<li><p>If it turns out that need-based aid looks promising, there is a whole other set of schools which could come into play.</p></li>
<li><p>There are other schools which could be great and yield good merit aid, but aren’t in the right climate for snow-boarding. Is that a must-must-must for your S, or a “would be nice” but not critical?</p></li>
<li><p>Whatever merit or need-based awards he receives, it will be important to not just look at the number but the likelihood and criteria for renewal each year. Another poster said Lehigh merit awards are for Freshmen only. I have never heard of this, but schools vary greatly in the GPA required for renewal, etc. (Actually, there is plenty of time for this evaluation later in the process, but it’s worth checking if you can up front to avoid schools with any kind of “bait and switch” merit aid which is less likely to continue all 4 years.
Good luck. You have come to the right place as there is so much knowledge here among cc parents and they are at their best when consulted by a parent or student new to the process and in need of help.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>As with most things, there are caveats. Your EFC is not going to be affected just because you have bad credit or have a lot of outstanding loans, except in the situation where you have liens outstanding on an asset (like a mortgage). The other exception would be if you have some government debt problem. FAFSA not only calculates your EFC but checks its files for certain government involvement like unpaid government student loans. However, you may have problems getting loans with favorable interest rates if you are not credit worthy.<br>
A number of schools have restrictions about when you can get financial aid or merit aid. As a rule, if you don’t get merit awards as a freshman, the field drastically narrows for upperclassman. I know kids at Lehigh who are getting awards now that are upperclassmen; awards continued from freshman year, but like with all info, it needs to be confirmed from the horse’s mouth.<br>
I suggest the first thing you do is to run your numbers through some calculators to see what your son would get based on your income including child support. Then see if your ex is going to be cooperative in giving you his tax return; or a neutral party who can just run the numbers through the financial aid wringer for numbers. That way you can see if you can get need based aid, and it will be a litmus test for whether you ex is going to cooperate. I have too often seen divorced family situations where the ex refuses to cough up money or even info to apply for financial aid. Though some schools will work with you on this, many will not, particularly the PROFILE schools. Better to find out now than at the last minute as my good friend did with her ex.<br>
Once you know where you stand with PROFILE and FAFSA, you can start hoing in on schools.</p>
<p>Hold on. before you all go nuts with private recommendations, be sure you advice the OP to familiarize herself with the financial aid rules. </p>
<p>Most if not all the schools you threw out there will require the CSS Profile or use an institutional methodology, which takes into account noncustodial assets and will factor in his dad’s finances in calculating EFC.</p>
<p>MomMary–what you want to do is familiarize yourself with the different methodologies schools use to calculate need. The most favorable to you would be the Federal Methodology, which considers income and assets of the custodial parent’s household. FAFSA schools will calculate your son’s financial need on the basis of you (and your current spouse’s if you have one) financial picture. </p>
<p>Most private schools know perfectly well there are deeper pockets out there and will ask for a supplemental form, either their own or something called the CSS Profile. Their form or the CSS has a noncustodial supplement, so you will need your ex’s cooperation even to fill out the forms, never mind getting him to cough up his share of an expected contribution.</p>
<p>If your ex will do the forms then you can look at all schools, but if he won’t you may have some problems getting aid at CSS schools. </p>
<p>In general public schools use the Federal methodology. A few private schools do as well.</p>
<p>Mombot - your advice is on target. However, the schools I threw out were based solely on merit aid potential, since that is what the OP originally asked about. Others have thrown out the names of schools based on their being tops in the stated fields of interest; however, many or most do not offer merit aid. They could be great on need-based aid. </p>
<p>So now we are in a discussion which is flailing because we don’t know what the OP’s kid will qualify on either a FAFSA or CSS Profile basis. This is the key thing she needs to determine before we can help much further, imo. Hinges on [ul][<em>]what the FAFSA estimator says using just her financials[</em>]whether she is able to get the info from ex in order to complete a CSS Profile estimate and what that estimate is.[/ul]</p>
<p>He might want to apply to some of the Jesuit colleges since they often offer additional scholarships to kids who grad from Jesuit high schools. They also offer financial aid. The ones near you are: Boston College, Fordham (NY), Holy Cross (MA). The rest probably aren’t close enuf for quick weekend visits.</p>
<p>I don’t think they will have a problem with the schools because of the ex husband since he has never paid child support. I think I read that in those circumstances, colleges don’t require anything from the ex – since he has “abandoned” the family. After all, some in these kinds of cases don’t even know where their ex’s are. I really doubt that colleges expect that a man who never supported his child (when he was legally obligated to do so), will all of the sudden cough up thousands for college. If that were the case, she could sue for back child support instead and have a bunch for college.</p>
<p>The problem is when an ex has been in the child’s life, has paid child support, and then doesn’t want to help with college.</p>
<p>These schools do not have Engineering, however, jlauer, which is why I didn’t suggest them. Fairfield is an option which does have Engineering, as does Santa Clara U (although it is far away).</p>
<p>I would second the recommendation for URochester. Definitiely strong in the sciences, plenty of snow, and lots of music opportunities. UR has lots of very strong applicants, but the acceptance rate is fairly high to compensate for a low yield - - I think it is the cold weather that keeps the yield low. If your son is possiblely interested in a music minor or double major, visit the music major forum.</p>
<p>Your son sounds like a great student! Some great engineering schools that have excellent merit scholarships are Lafayette College ¶ and Valparaiso University (IN). You might not want to rule out schools that are further away - if your son gets a large financial award, then the costs of airfare become negligible. Another possibility (if he wants a Christian school) is Grove City (north of Pittsburgh), where the comprehensive fee is 16K.</p>
<p>I would caution you that Lehigh is very stingy with their merit money - only 4% of their incoming freshman receive it.</p>
<p>I meant Lawrence in Appleton, WI. It’s a small school (around 1400 students) with a music conservatory plus regular college. Apparently musicians that aren’t in the conservatory still have good opportunities to be part of ensembles. It sounds like a place that really allows, facilitates, and encourages students to pursue both music and other studies.</p>
<p>You might also consider Union College in Schenectady NY. Good college, close to Mass, and they have engineering.</p>
<p>MomMary,
Make sure you find a financial safety. (I sent you a PM explaining) Also, your son should apply for outside scholarships.</p>
<p>You might consider subscribing for one year to USNEWS College website. It is $14.95 per year (not a huge expense). And it contains information on over 1,900 colleges. You can do searches, by major, by size, by cost, etc. etc.</p>
<p>I have no association with USNEWS. I do not know anyone who works there, or who would in any way profit, if you were to subscribe. </p>
<p>I suggest it, because it was helpful to us, to reseach colleges across the country. It has lots and lots of information on each college. The majors, the extracurriculars, the costs, financial aid, the location, the size and demographics of the student body, the acceptance rates, the graduation and retention rates. Most people know of USNEW College information because they one of the respected sites for “rankings” - which schools are considered BEST for Engineering, Liberal Arts, Business, etc. Their rankings are interesting, but we used the subscription and their website to research all the “other” information. CC (collegecondidential) has a wealth of information, and it is free, and people are very willing to offer excellent information. I only offer the other (USNEWS) as ‘extra’ information. </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/rankindex_brief.php[/url]”>http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/rankindex_brief.php</a></p>
<p>Looking at the USNEWS initial search page, consider some of the following:</p>
<p>Location: north, south, midwest, west, or within ‘x’ miles from a specific zipcode.</p>
<p>Majors: (the list is endless, you tell me, and i can plug in a few).</p>
<p>do he want public or private, or either?</p>
<p>urban, suburban, or rural?</p>
<p>student body (small: less than 2,000 studens, med: 2k-5k, large: 5k-10k, very large: over 10,000 students?</p>
<p>single sex -v- coed?</p>
<p>Financial Aid - Total Cost: Less than 10k, less than 15k, less than 20k, less than 25k, less than 30k, less than 35k, etc.</p>
<p>Financial Aid - sources: Federal Pell, Private scholarships, State scholarships and grants, University scholarships/grants.</p>
<p>Financial Aid - institutiona aid: Academics, Alumni Affiliation, Art, Athletics, Job Skills, ROTC, Leadership, Minority Status, Music/Drama, Religious Affiliation, State/District residency </p>
<p>Diversity? (is there a racial or ethnic group that he particularly identifies with)</p>
<p>Religious affiliation? (every religous faith is listed, and then some)</p>
<p>Academics (most selective, more selective, selective, less selective)</p>
<p>Student-Faculty ratio: (low: less than 15:1, med: 15:1-20:-1, high: greater than 20:1)</p>
<p>academic programs (double major, accelerated programs, study abroad, internships, etc.)</p>
<p>Extacurriculars (the list is endless)</p>
<p>You supply the answers, and i will plug it in for you… it will kick out a list of schools.</p>
<p>Lehigh University
Rankings
Address:
27 Memorial Drive W
Bethlehem, PA 18015</p>
<p>Website:
<a href=“http://www.lehigh.edu%5B/url%5D”>http://www.lehigh.edu</a></p>
<p>Admissions E-mail:
<a href=“mailto:admissions@lehigh.edu”>admissions@lehigh.edu</a></p>
<p>U.S. News ranking:National Universities, 33
Overall score:67
Average freshman retention rate:94%
2006 graduation rate:-Predicted:80%
-Actual:85%
-Overperformance (+)/Underperformance (-):+5
Faculty resources rank:20
Classes with under 20 students (2005):67%
Classes with 50 or more students (2005):6%
Student/faculty ratio (2005):9/1
Percent of faculty who are full-time (2005):88%
Student selectivity rank:32
Acceptance rate (2005):41%
Financial resources rank:49
Alumni giving rank:8
Average alumni giving rate (2005):39%
Best Business Programs and Departments
Business program rank:99
Best Engineering Programs Where the Highest Degree is a Doctorate
Engineering program rank:43</p>
<p>Lehigh University
Academics
Address
27 Memorial Drive W
Bethlehem, PA 18015</p>
<p>Website
<a href=“http://www.lehigh.edu%5B/url%5D”>http://www.lehigh.edu</a></p>
<p>Admissions E-mail
<a href=“mailto:admissions@lehigh.edu”>admissions@lehigh.edu</a></p>
<p>QuickFacts
Student-to-faculty ratio: 9/1
Classes with fewer than 20 students:67%
Number of faculty:434 full time, 187 part time
Academic calendar: Semester
Degree Offerings
Degrees offered:Bachelor’s, Post-bachelor’s certificate, Master’s, Post-master’s certificate, Doctorate
Associate degrees:N/A
Bachelor’s degrees:B S in Applied Life Science B S in Applied Science B S in Astrophysics B S In Behavioral Neuroscience B S In Biochemistry (AS) B S in Bioengineering B S In Biology B S In Business & Economics B S In Chemical Engineering B S In Chemistry (AS) B S In Chemistry (EN) B S In Civil Engineering B S in Comp Sci & Business B S In Computer Engineering B S In Computer Science (AS) B S In Computer Science (EN) B S in Ecology B S In Electrical Engineering B S in Engineering Mechanics B S In Engineering Physics B S in Environmental Engr B S in Environmental Sciences B S In Geological Sciences B S In Industrial Engineering B S In Info & System Engr B S In Integrated Bus/Engr B S In Mathematics B S In Mechanical Engineering B S In Molecular Biology B S In Mtrls. Sci. & Engr. B S In Physics B S In Psychology B S In Statistics Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Science
Master’s degrees:Master Educ Leader & MBA Master of Arts Master of Business & Engring Master of Business Admin Master of Education Master of Engineering Master of Science MS Acct & Info Anal MS Analytical Finance Educational Specialist MS in Healthcare and Bio-Pharmaceutical Economics
Doctoral degrees: D.Ed., Ph.D.
First professional degrees:N/A
Combined-degree programs: N/A
Popular Majors
Five most popular majors:8% finance, 8% mechanical engineering, 7% accounting, 7% psychology, 6% marketing/marketing management
Majors Offered
Architecture and related services:architecture (B.Arch., B.A./B.S., M.Arch., M.A./M.S., Ph.D.)
Area, ethnic, cultural, and gender studies:American/United States studies/civilization, Asian studies/civilization, African-American/black studies, Russian studies
Biological and biomedical sciences:biology/biological sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, ecology
Business, management, marketing, and related support services:business/managerial economics, accounting, logistics and materials management, finance, marketing/marketing management, management science
Communication, journalism, and related programs:journalism, communication, journalism, and related programs
Computer and information sciences and support services:computer and information sciences and support services, computer science, information science/studies
Engineering:structural engineering, computer engineering, electrical, electronics, and communications engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical/medical engineering, engineering mechanics, engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering physics, environmental/environmental health engineering, materials engineering
English language and literature/letters:English language and literature
Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics:Spanish language and literature, French language and literature, German language and literature, classics and classical languages, literatures,and linguistics
Health professions and related clinical sciences : pre-dentistry studies, pre-medicine/pre-medical studies
History:history
Mathematics and statistics:mathematics, statistics
Multi/interdisciplinary studies:biological and physical sciences, biopsychology, science, technology, and society, cognitive science
Natural resources and conservation:environmental science
Philosophy and religious studies:religion/religious studies, philosophy
Physical sciences:geology/earth science, geological and earth sciences/geosciences, chemistry, physics, astronomy, astrophysics
Psychology : psychology
Social sciences:social sciences, anthropology, international relations and affairs, political science and government, sociology, urban studies/affairs
Visual and performing arts:design and visual communications, drama and dramatics/theater arts, art/art studies, music, art history, criticism, and conservation, music history, literature, and theory</p>
<p>Total applicants: 10,501
Total acceptances: 4,340
Total freshman enrollment: 1,223 </p>
<p>Proportion of freshman enrolled from early action and early decision: 39% </p>
<p>Male applicants: 6,130
Male acceptances:2,520
Male freshman enrollment: 711 </p>
<p>Female applicants: 4,371
Female acceptances: 1,820
Female freshman enrollment: 512 </p>
<p>Students that applied here may also have applied to:
Bucknell University, Cornell University, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, Tufts University, University of Pennsylvania </p>
<p>Out-of-state freshmen: 76% </p>
<p>Qualified applicants offered a place on waiting list: 1,984
Applicants accepting a place on waiting list: 752
Students enrolled from waiting list: 0 </p>
<p>2005-2006 Freshman Class Profile
Class rank (top 10, 25, 50) </p>
<p>Top 10 percent of high school class:78%
Top 25 percent of high school class: 95%
Top 50 percent of high school class: 100% </p>
<p>First-year students submitting high school class standing:43%
Average high school GPA:N/A </p>
<p>First-year students submitting GPA:N/A </p>
<p>First-year students submitting SAT scores: 98%
SAT scores (25/75 percentile):
Verbal:600 680
Math: 640 720
Combined: 1240 1400 </p>
<p>Percent of first-time, first-year students enrolled in Fall 2005 with scores in each range:
SAT I Verbal SAT I Math
700-800 18.2% 39.8%
600-699 57.5% 51.1%
500-599 22.9% 8.8%
400-499 1.4% 0.3%
300-399 N/A N/A
200-299 N/A N/A</p>
<p>MomMary - Send him to the most prestigious school in the world, West Point.</p>
<p>West Point has an excellent engineering program, it has it’s own ski slope, and there is no tuition. It will open doors for you son that no other institution can match. Take some time to learn about the United States Military Academy and see if you don’t agree.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.usma.edu/[/url]”>http://www.usma.edu/</a></p>
<p>Good luck!</p>