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<p>Where I live, the high school counselors are responsible for helping the students with college selections…not with financial aid. The high school guidance folks are not financial aid experts, and the cannot possibly know about the financial aid possibilities at all the thousands of schools across the country.</p>
<p>The best thing you can do to figure out the finances is start researching schools when you are a junior. Look for schools that award merit aid to students with GPA/SAT or ACT scores in the range you have. Apply to schools where YOUR stats are at the tippy top of acceptances. Apply to schools that meet higher percentages of need. </p>
<p>If all else fails, have a plan B. Attend a less expensive option for two years (like a community college) and transfer to a four year school to finish your degree. Or work part time and go to school part time. Save money by living at home. Apply to smaller instate universities in YOUR state. Apply for local scholarships. Get a summer job, and save.</p>