don't know if the numbers will change 4 next yr but for my 1st yr this past yr, we could ask 4 slightly over $40 k if u live off campus. and tones is right, its an estimate of what u think u want/need. if u don't ask 4 the whole amt, u can always ask 4 more later if things come up. a couple of my friends just had 2 do that since their cars broke down and they had 2 pay alot 4 repairs. if u'll live w/ ur parents, u get less (think it was $20 k? ask if this is ur situation cuz i can't remember) since u won't have rent and other living expenses (like food) 2 worry about. try 2 save up as much $ during the summer as u can, b/c they take out more $ the 1st semester b/c they though they charge u only 1/2 tuition, they take out 100% of other student related fees (eg - parking handtag ~$150, health insurance ~$1700, etc). but ur finaid stafford loan check is disbursed in 2 EQUAL installments and doesn't take it in2 acct that u get alot more $ taken out of it 1st semester. since i don't get any extra $ from the parents, when xmas break came around, i was waiting 4 my 2nd semester finaid check 2 come in and picked it up on day 1 so that i wouldn't b late w/ rent (almost was).
