<p>Hello, I was hoping that some of you who may be familiar with various schools’ aid packages might be able to help me locate a good school. I am a 23 year old student of a community college in Des Moines, Iowa. I will be transferring schools this fall, but I’m at a decision-making crossroads. My expected family contribution is zero, despite the fact that I’m still living with my father, because I will be 24 in May. I have been considering going to Drake University here in Des Moines because it is a decent private university and is 2 blocks from my fathers house. I could stay at his house for my junior and senior year and save costs that way. However, I am curious about two things. Firstly, do you know if I will still be eligible for a Pell Grant if I remain under his roof. I am no longer claimed as a dependent. Secondly, I am hoping that some of you might know of some colleges that give good merit scholarships to Phi Theta Kappa members or just give good financial aid packages to students with 0 EFC in general. At Drake University, I will receive approximately 10k per year for being a Phi Theta Kappa Member. This will leave me with an extra 13k a year if I do not receive any other scholarships or grants, but I won’t have living expenses. However, if I could find a better university out-of-state that is willing to offer aid to cover at least half of the tuition with PTK merit scholarships and Pell grants added in, I would be willing to take the few thousand subsidized loans and a few more in unsubsidized and private. </p>
<p>My information:
Age: 23
GPA: 3.6
Program: Associate in Arts, looking to transfer into public policy or pre-law politics heavy program
EC’s: Volunteer as precinct captain and youth organizer on the Obama campaign</p>
<p>Again, please either recommend some good schools that may offer great aid, or just please help me choose if I should attend the private Drake University and continue living with my father or if I should move north to Ames to attend the much cheaper Iowa State, but pay my own living expenses. Thank you.</p>