<p>Hi everybody!
I recently got into SLC as a transfer student and am really ecstatic about attending. I got a pretty good package and am really happy about it. But the only thing that's standing in my way from going is the commuting costs. Since it's so far away, I would have to take the MetroNorth on top of the subway, which would add up to more than $300 a month just for transportation.
Since I come from a low-income family, it simply is not possible for my parents and me to cover these costs. What should I tell SLC? What should I say when I call them? I really want to go but I still need a little more financial assistance.
Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>Loans perhaps?</p>
<p>I already have enough loans from the college I’m currently attending and don’t plan on taking out any more since I’m already in immense debt. I’m looking to see if they have any additional funds for commuters, perhaps a metro/transportation grant? But I’m not sure how to ask and explain my situation. </p>
<p>
Just tell them you need more:
</p>
<p>Weren’t your parents paying $6k for your other school on top of your loans, and SLC is only costing you the ~$3k travel expense with no loans? How were your parents paying the $6k? Can you get a federal loan for the travel expenses? I understand avoiding loans, but $4k per year isn’t excessive.</p>
<p>You can present your case to the Financial Aid office. They are very much aware of what it costs and takes to get from Manhattan to Bronxville. They do not have a commuter fund like Fordham does, if that is what you are asking about. They give money as needed or with merit, not to all commuters, which Fordham does do. When you are comparing costs between SLC and Fordham, the individual costs for each school should be the first thing in each column with the grants, all grants you get from each school subtracted from it. SLU is more expensive than Fordham and for you, the commuting is going to be more expensive as well. But when you tally up the money each school gives you and subtract that out, it appears, SLU hands down is the less expensive school. But, yes,one of the grants that goes into the Fordham column that does NOT go against SLU costs is the commuter grant. SLU does NOT have one. A person who got NO merit money for fin aid grants from either school, the bottom line costs would be less at Fordham and if that person were a commuter, the costs would be reduced further by this special grant Fordham has. It’s always that bottom line that counts. </p>