<p>Just remember the FAFSA only tells you what schools expect your family to contribute. Some meet full need…meaning the give you the difference (mix of loans and grants) but many have a pool of money they give out until it is gone. Each school is different and no school is obligated to give you money.</p>
<p>Get your parents to fill out estimated FAFSA and/or do each potential school’s net price calculator to see where you stand. Then have frank conversation with parents about what they are willing to spend.</p>