I would never trade my spot in the ‘donut hole’ for the circumstances that cause an EFC=0. There will be plenty of options for a bright student with a supportive parent that is looking ahead like you are.
- Will your student have access to a dual enrolled (earn college credits while in hs) program? Mine had a very supportive hs that helped them use this program. The hs paid all tuition, fees and books. Parents only have to figure out transportation, but many of the classes were offered at the hs, too. OH maximum is 120 credits, no more than 30 per year. I noticed some other states offer dual enrollment, but parents are responsible for paying the tuition. Look into what your state offers.
- Look at regional campuses of your state universities. OH has 14 state universities and 9 of them have regional campuses, many with multiple regional campuses offering reduced tuition. The regional campuses of Ohio State offer a 40% savings off tuition to in state students vs. main and have merit aid on top of that for good grades in hs and college ready ACT/SAT scores.
- Have your student work in hs. My kids were expected to have jobs and help save for college. Many universities and outside scholarship organizations value applicants that have a sense of the working world. It's also important for landing good co-ops or internships. McDonald's, the local Y, etc. these organizations can give student employees scholarships, too.
- Encourage your student to build and maintain their adult network. My D picked up a nice national scholarship from a small organization because some one she knew nominated her. My S picked up an internship from some one he met on a college visit.
- College affordability is a national concern. Tax credits, state merit aid programs, oos competition for high stat students, campaigns to build endowments, shifting policy regarding stacking, need formulas, DE credits, etc. Some are all small on their own, but at least they are moving in the right direction.