Who would offer more FA: USC or GWU?

Paying for College
1

<p>Income: $20,000/year, no assets over $1,000
GPA: 3.6/4.05
SAT: 2080</p>

<p>Based on your personal opinions or any info you might have, which school would give me better aid? (less loans, more grants)</p>

<p>Obviously, it’s impossible to know until they offer their package. However I still want to know what you think. Thanks</p>

2

<p>If the USC you are talking about is University of Southern California, USC offers generally better need based aid than GWU.</p>

3

<p>Thank you, and yes it’s the USC in CA.</p>

4

<p>I would say USC. Did you know that GWU is one of the most expensive schools in the country? FA might be affected by where you are geographically. Are you in CA?
Remember that both schools will consider loans part of your package. If either one is a distance from your home you will have travel costs which FA will not cover.
With that income you need some financial safety schools and I would not consider USC or GWU a financial safety. What is/are your state school(s)?</p>

5

<p>thank you. I have been living in UT for several months because of mom’s work. i lived the rest of my life in CA, and we might move back within the month. however, because of issues with state residency (it seems that no state will consider me a resident at this point right?), my financial safety will be the University of Alabama. I am guaranteed OOS full-tuition for 4 years, and I would be very happy with that</p>

<p>GWU is the most expensive, yes, but I also heard they are big on grants. however at the moment I think I will apply to USC rather than GWU, for a variety of reasons including FA</p>

6

<p>GWU practices what is called enrollment management with finaid. If they really want what you have to offer, their need-based packages are excellent (lotsa grant $$). But, if you are at the bottom of the accept pile, the package might be more loan dollars. USC is good, but your gpa makes it a reach college. But, USC loves high test scorers, so a retake might be worth the time – a 2080 is great, but 2100+ even better.</p>

7

<p>yeah I’m planning for a retake, ~750 on each section is what i’m averaging on timed practice tests.</p>

<p>i’ll apply to USC instead of GWU for sure. thanks everyone</p>