Applying for aid with a high EFC: pros and cons?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Dartmouth College
1

<p>Based on a guesstimated parent contribution of about $43k from the Dartmouth financial aid calculator, with an expected student contribution of $2500 or so, is there any benefit in applying for financial aid? For example, do current students find it especially helpful to be work-study eligible, or are there plenty of good part-time jobs without work study? Is there any other advantage to being aid-qualified, when one assumes the aid would take the form of "self-help" - i.e. loan or work - of only $5k or so? (Or does D ever award grant money at such a low level?) </p>

<p>Conversely, is there any risk that checking the financial aid box on an ED application could backfire, even though Dartmouth is need-blind?</p>

<p>Does secondary school tuition for a younger sibling have much effect on EFC? I didn't see that on the Dartmouth calculator, and am wondering if that might give us a better number.</p>

<p>Thanks for any insights you can share!</p>

2

<p>The mentality we approached this with was that we have nothing to lose...I had an EFC of full contribution but applied for financial aid anyways, and we got an offer for a small loan. Dartmouth is need-blind for domestic students and I don't see why they would lie about that, so the way I see it it's entirely up to you and whether or not you want to fill out the forms.</p>

3

<p>Dartmouth is need-blind for admissions so file away. Many schools will make an adjustment for a sibling's private school tuition, but not sure if Dartmouth does.</p>

<p>Another reason to file is that circumstances can change from now until Sept. -- businesses get sold, the breadwinner gets seriously ill, etc.</p>

4

<p>I agree with Blue regarding filing for FA, because if there is a change in your financial circumstance, you can just go back and request a financial review based on your change vs. having to wait until the next academic year. Other than the time needed to fill out the paper work and the cost of filing the CSS profile, you have nothing to lose.</p>

<p>Dartmouth uses a combination of the federal and institutional methodology through the FAFSA and the CSS profile. The profile does ask whether or not you pay secondary school tuition for a sibling (medical bills that are not covered by insurance and taking care of elderly parents) so yes, Dartmouth will take it into consideration when putting together an aid package.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.dartmouth.edu/apply/pdfs/0708HTP.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.dartmouth.edu/apply/pdfs/0708HTP.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://www.dartmouth.edu/apply/pdfs/0607_Financial_Aid_Handbook.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.dartmouth.edu/apply/pdfs/0607_Financial_Aid_Handbook.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Dartmouth states:</p>

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<p>A student DOES NOT have to be awarded FWSP or EMPLOYMENT funding in order to work. It is important to check the comments section when searching for job listings if you are not eligible for Federal Work-Study funds, as there are a small portion of jobs limited to only FWSP eligible students.</p>

<p>The Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) is a federally funded program and was established by Congress through the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist needy students earn money to meet educational costs. Participation in the program is determined by the student's financial need and is awarded as part of the financial aid package. Earnings are not applied directly to the tuition bill, but are used by the student to cover costs such as books, personal items, and transportation. FWSP funds may only be used on campus with on-campus employers or with approved off-campus community service employers.</p>

<p>Employment is an alternative form of funding for student who do not qualify for work-study funds, usually for citizenship reasons. Regulation of the Employment program mirrors the FWSP in that a student must show a financial need to be eligible for such funding. Employment funds are not permissible for off-campus use.</p>

<p>**Leave Term Work-Study (LTWS) **Many students are interested in working for an on campus employer or at one of the participating local community service agencies during a leave term. There are many opportunities to gain valuable experience while utilizing leave term FWS eligibility. However, there are financial implications, which should be considered before making a final decision. Leave Term Work-Study funds are available to qualifying students. Students must apply for these funds through the Student Employment Office; they are not automatically included in your financial aid award. Leave Term Work-Study Request Forms are available online or in SEO.</p>

<p>Non Work-Study: All students are encouraged to work as a part of connecting to Dartmouth regardless of their work-study eligibility. SEO believes in servicing all students and are highly encourage to work as a means of connecting with the Dartmouth community. There are some positions which are limited to FWS eligible students only. These positions begin with the letter "C." To determine if you are FWSP or EMPLOYMENT eligible, please see your financial aid award letter or consult with the Financial Aid Office. Your award letter will indicate maximum work-study/ employment earnings for the academic year. Students who feel that they may work beyond their allotted eligibility should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine if they are eligible for more FWSP or EMPLOYMENT funding.</p>

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<a href="http://www.dartmouth.edu/%7Eseo/student/wsdep.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.dartmouth.edu/~seo/student/wsdep.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>In short yes, if your student wants to get a job while attending Dartmouth, they will be able to do so.</p>

5

<p>Thanks so much; this is very helpful!</p>

6

<p>I also think you should apply; you don't know what'll happen in following years and the general word on the street is that it's harder to apply for financial aid if you didn't apply your first year.</p>

7

<p>
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word on the street is that it's harder to apply for financial aid if you didn't apply your first year.

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<p>This only pertains to international students (with the exception of Canadian and Mexican residents) where Dartmouth states:</p>

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Renewal Aid: Because aid for international students (excluding students from Canada and Mexico) is limited, only students who were admitted as financial aid students in their first year can apply for aid in subsequent years.

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<p>Page 19 of the Financial Aid Handbook</p>

<p>U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents along with Mexican and Canadian Residents must reapply for financial aid each year.</p>

<p>U.S. citizens and Permanent residents must file a New FAFSA and fill out the school's renewal forms (submitted through IDOC) each year if they are applying for aid.</p>