0 EFC = full ride??

<p>I did the CSS Profile and sent that as well. But the CSS didn’t make any difference for me since I don’t remember putting in ANY different numbers for any new questions. The info on both is essentially the same.</p>

<p>

If your AGI is under $20K as you indicate the average net family cost for Cornell was around $4120 (based on 2009-10 year) so it should be a MUCH better offer.</p>

<p>@mom2collegekids
I’m gonna come to the rescue here since I’m looking at grad schools in the Ivy League with NO expected family contribution, myself, and 1-2 years lag (I’ll graduate with a bachelor’s in Spring from a state college) to invest / save up / do well on the GMAT.
I also do not understand where your figures for Yale are coming from.
Is it policy for these schools to require a certain amount upon entry? Say I bring in $1500 first semester. Is there some rule that I would be violating doing so? I think that is the question at hand.</p>

<p>Zeus…not sure what you’re saying.</p>

<p>That said, grad school is quite different. They don’t really have a “family contribution” expectation.</p>

<p>THe financial aid policies for undergrad do not apply to grad school. </p>

<p>With the exception of law and med school, most students attending grad programs are considered independent students where it is not unusual for them to come up with 0 EFCs (especially if they are going straight out of college and have never worked). </p>

<p>If you plan on going to HBS, Wharton, Tuck, Yale, or name your choice elite grad school, the financial aid policies of undergrad, do not exist for grad school. The cost of attendance at HBS is ~75k/year and most of it will be on you.</p>

<p>Keep in mind, grad students are eligible to borrow up to $20,500 in direct loans. In addition, if the grad student is credit worthy, the can borrow up to the full cost of attendance as a gradplus loan. If you are going to school at the masters level, there is a good chance that you will be paying to attend grad school.</p>