Depends on if the $8,500 is the expected parent contribution, or the total net price. If it is the total net price, then that is in line with commonly expected student contribution (federal direct loan of $5,500 plus $3,000 student work earnings, or some similar mix) with $0 expected parent contribution.
However, the OP’s divorced parent situation throws in a lot of uncertainty with financial aid, which makes colleges that require the non-custodial parent information financial reaches (to get the waiver or cooperation from the non-custodial parent). Vanderbilt, which usually does not require non-custodial parent information, may be worth a look, although it is highly selective.
Read through the thread on Automatic scholarships that is at the top of this forum, and check each to see if it will still be offered this year. The ones where your GPA and test scores match the criteria will be your safeties. If you have those stats you will definitely be admitted, and you will get that scholarship. As long as the engineering program is accredited by ABET (check at ABET.org) you will be able to get a job after you graduate.
It looks like your school is used to helping students navigate this process. That’s terrific! If you want a bit more advice you also can get in touch with the closest EducationUSA office. Find that at educationUSA.state.gov
Don’t forget to come up with a Plan B. You are correct that you need to come here to study engineering rather than staying in Nigeria if you want to work here as an engineer. The licensing process is much easier for graduates of US programs. A gap year would be a much better choice than studying outside the US.
@twoinanddone
Because both SD and NM NPCs gave me a price larger than UMichigan.
I do believe that these elite schools cover transportation costs. If they don’t, work-study can easily cover that.
@happymomof1
Not Nigeria, haha. Another country.
I am looking through the list as we speak.
How do you know that “my school is used to helping students navigate this process”?
Work study gets paid as you earn it (so if you work 40 hours in September, you’ll get your check in September). That won’t help you fly in from Kenya in August.
We’re trying to help you- why so defensive and flip to a bunch of strangers who are taking an interest in your predicament?
@happymomof1
It’s ok. I’m on iPad as well.
I meant people I know through Questbridge, such as this Hispanic student who got into Cornell, Northwestern and Berkeley with an SAT of 1400.
For all I know, I’m the first student in my school’s history to use QB.
Are you the first at your school to apply in the US? If so, do have a chat with a counselor at the EducationUSA office to find out if there are any country-specific steps you need to take with your school records. In some cases there are. Also make certain that every place you apply to knows that you are a US citizen educated abroad so that you get put into the US pile for aid and your school record is read in comparison to students from your current educational system. I’d also encourage you to get your school records formally evaluated by WES.org because some places you apply to may require that.
@happymomof1
No, it’s quite common to apply to American universities in my school. I go to a private American-curriculum Christian school. Educational credentials aren’t an issue.
Doesn’t my Common App already state that I am a US dual citizen? I recall that being something I filled in.
I’m curious about what you people think of SUNY Alfred’s Excellence in Education Scholarship. From what I understand, it covers room, board and instate tuition, leaving just the extra out of state tuition cost remaining.
@ucbalumnus
I searched up PVAMU, and I don’t believe their scholarship is a full ride. Their Regents’ Scholarship only gives $10,000 per year and covers out of state tuition.
I’ll think about Tuskegee.
I.e. $10,000 per year for tuition and fees, plus cost of on-campus housing, meals, and books, and an out-of-state tuition waiver. https://www.pvamu.edu/faid/cost-of-attendance-2/#UNDRES notes that in-state tuition and fees is very close to $10,000 per year.
How about University of Texas at the Permian Basin? If I get their top scholarship, I’d get $10,000 per year, which leaves me with around $12,000 per year. With a Pell Grant, that’s around $6,000. I should be able to make around $4,000 through work study. The rest is a small loan. If I major in petroleum engineering, the high starting salaries should mean loan repayment isn’t a problem.
Just remember…you don’t get that work study money until you work at a job and earn the money. You won’t have it when the fall semester bills are due.
And please…check the cost of university health insurance. Colleges require health insurance and it’s not usually included in the cost of attendance. This is an additional cost.