American University Transfer Aid - How is it?

Colleges and Universities A-Z American University
1

<p>Hey everyone.</p>

<p>My EFC is 0, and I was wondering if anyone had gotten their aid package from American yet. I should be getting mine in a week or two since I just sent in some verification data, and then I’ll put down a deposit if I can afford it.</p>

<p>I’ve got a $12,000 Dean’s scholarship and got into the Honor’s program, but after receiving abysmal and contradictory aid from W&M, I’m really discouraged about financial aid from any institution in general.</p>

<p>Any reassurance, even from past years, would be much appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Bump10char</p>

3

<p>Bump again. I got my aid package today, but they’re going to review it for institutional aid since I sent in an updated CSS profile.</p>

4

<p>Honestly, financial aid is my main beef with AU. I am transferring because I cannot afford their school. </p>

<p>I had $0 EFC like you, yet I paid over $10,000 out-of-pocket for my first year’s tuition alone. I had to use most of the money that I got from my mom’s life insurance (that I was hoping to use for living expenses, since our house was foreclosed in December and I have to live on my own now) to pay it off. And that’s after I put in an appeal; before, they wanted me to pay $12,000 out-of-pocket. In addition to my out-of-pocket costs, I also have $12,000 or so in government loans, although I expected that as part of my package because I know they can’t give out a bunch of free money. No private loans; I can’t get any because I don’t have a creditworthy cosigner. The rest was covered by grants and scholarships.</p>

<p>Basically, if money is an issue for you, I recommend going elsewhere. AU is not worth the extra cost compared to a state school.</p>

<p>Of course, this depends on your program of study and the state schools in your particular state. AU might be worth it if you’re studying political science or international studies. However, I’m studying business, so my particular state’s main school (University of Washington) is a lot better choice for me because, not only is it a lot more affordable, but the business program is actually really good (better than AU’s, I think.)</p>

<p>Also, a side note: Good grades won’t get you more aid than you’ve been offered, either; my cumulative GPA after my first year is a 3.9, and the financial aid person I talked to still said “Sorry, if you can’t afford it, you have to leave. We can’t help you.”</p>

<p>So, think over your options carefully. AU is not necessarily a bad decision; it all depends on your particular situation. If you get good aid after the revision, though, then congrats. I would have continued to attend AU if I could afford it, so if you get good aid and want to go there, that’s great. I don’t have anything against the school as a whole: just the costs. :)</p>