<p>Thanks again northeastmom. This board is so helpful, at least knowing you are not alone! Yes, I am sure our efc is similar to yours. We are dealing with almost the same situation. Basically our in state school is $20K, and our efc is slightly above that. We knew all along our out of pocket would be about $20K and so in comparing offers we are looking to have the cost of out of state or privates at around that amount. We have a $40K private bringing the cost down to $19 with merit and grants, loan and work study, our state school at $20 and finally JMU. Now I think like you, he could have applied to more privates, given the grants etc. but he likes bigger schools and the smaller school is there if he wants to continue with athletics.</p>