helping a URM/First Gen kid with figuring out college . . .

Advise him and his mother to check the net price calculator on each college’s web site to see if it will offer enough financial aid to be affordable (probably means a net price of ~$5,000 or less if he is willing to take federal loans or work part time and during summers, ~$10,000 or less if he is willing to stretch and commit to both federal loans and work).

Otherwise, he needs to seek a full ride or close to it merit scholarship. Here are some lists, but check school web sites for updates since the list was posted:

http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/
http://competitivefulltuition.yolasite.com/