I applied to transfer to Barnard for Fall 2018 and even though results won’t be out for another month or so, I have been worrying about financial aid. My family refuses to pay more than what they’re currently paying, but I know that transfer apps are need-aware and transfers are often offered less financial aid. In general, Barnard is more expensive than my current college but my current college does not have need-based financial aid to begin with.
I was just wondering whether anyone knows how transfer students can navigate financial aid, what kind of financial aid transfers receive, and if there is a way to appeal it if it is not sufficient.
Sorry no one answered you earlier. I’m a student in a similar position as you, though my EFC is 0 and my family legitimately has no way to help me with money. Although Barnard is need-aware for transfers, on their site they do say that they will meet full demonstrated need for those that are accepted. What that tells me is that they look at how much value the applicant can bring to campus before her ability to pay. As far as appealing aid if it is not sufficient, I don’t see that happening, as transfers have so little of the pot in the first place and are essentially at the mercy of first-years. Hope this helps! If you still have questions, you should definitely contact the financial aid office. I have spoken to them in the past and they have been nothing but kind.
@loease To be clear, if you are admitted, Barnard will meet your full demonstrated need. In other words, you will be treated exactly the same as all other students. The “need aware” policy only applies to the admissions process. It may turn out that what you think you can afford differs from what Barnard calculates you need, but that is a different story. You can always appeal but the only grounds for doing so is if Barnard has misunderstood your situation, not because you want more financial aid.