<p>Through a series of unusual circumstances, my family’s 2012 taxes reflect an AGI of $56,810. My husband owns a small business (under 100 employees) and I have just experienced a furlough at my job at a non-profit (10-15% loss of income til further notice).</p>
<p>My daughter is a current HS junior and I’m beginning to explore financial aid options. </p>
<p>Can someone advise on where to locate the most up to date charts to calculate possible aid or a site where the changes are updated ?</p>
<p>or, if you can advise whether we would be eligible for a pell grant, that would be so helpful.</p>
<p>My daughter’s stats will not set the world on fire - low ACT, but decent GPA (3.5 UW), 5 APs, etc. And, she will very likely receive merit for auditions as theatre major.</p>
<p>Any advice or info would be so appreciated!</p>
<p>Sent from my Desire HD using CC</p>
<p>You can use the EFC estimator on this board. I don’t think you will be eligible for PELL, and if you are, it will be a very small amount. You need a zero EFC for for full PELL of $5600. She will be permitted to borrow up to $5500 freshman year on her own. Other than that it’s up to the school. You can get some idea as to what the schools you have in mind will give out by running a number of NPC. FOr those schools that require PROFILE, your family business might get hit up with income increased with business deductions taken and business assets included as family assets. Primary home equity is also counted at most PROFILE schools. Unfortunately, those schools that tend to guarantee or meet the most need are PROFILE schools.</p>
<p>As for merit money for auditions, I’ve been down that path. My son was a MT major who auditioned for many theatre and MT programs. He did get a lot of merit awards, but nothing over $5K with most of around $1K, hardly a dent at some of those schools that currently cost $60K+. He was accepted at some of the most selective theatre programs, but the pickings in terms of money were slim, and at the most selective schools, none. He also had relative good SAT scores, and yes, they do count at most theatre programs, even those audition based. And the money offers are often based on those scores. Test scores are probably the single best indicator for the chances of getting merit money. </p>
<p>Take a look at the schools with guaranteed merit awards. Also look for those schools off the beaten path that might offer enough merit to make it work. Local state schools and your local state schools should also be considered. Ask your DD’s teacher’s and theatre directors where some good sources for scholarships are and what schools they can recommend that might come up with sizable awards.</p>