I can't speak for FSU, but of the many visits we've done, we've never gotten financial aid information that wasn't readily available online. Most of it is about dates...scholarship deadlines, when to expect the award letter, etc.
There isn't that much to financial aid at these schools across the board.
- apply for scholarships - find out if separate application, or if they're awarded through your general application
- do the net cost calculator on their website to see how much you're expected to pay out of pocket
- find out if the school is a "full need" school, in which the costs above what they determine is your expected contribution will be covered. Most schools offer loans in excess of your expected contribution, some promise to cover it with non-loan aid
- be aware of what "expected contribution" means to the school...it could be different than what it means for you. Even at a "we cover all need without loans" school, they might determine that you only "need" $15k on a $60k price tag. Just because they think you can stroke a $45k check every year based on your income/assets doesn't mean you actually can.
- So be aware, they might project something like $8k per year in loans which might sound reasonable...but that's assuming you can actually afford your whole $35k a year contribution
-there might be small grants, work studies, small one year scholarships...want to make sure you've applied to all of them, but for the most part they are not a game-changing difference
There are really no good surprises. Your kid either gets a significant scholarship or you're on the hook for what it is, plus or minus a thousand or two. If you have a low enough income (<$50k) with enough siblings, you might find a sweet spot at a "full need" school.
