cal poly pomona transfer financial aid award

<p>i am transferring to cal poly pomona this fall 2012. i recently received my financial aid award and im surprise on how low it is. my parents made about $40000 last year. i have a sister that goes to OSU. shes 24 and married. but her husband and herself are unemployed. my parents still support her. they never gave me any financial assistance when i was in pasadena city college because the financial was enough. below is a copy of my financial aid award. </p>

<p>Direct Loan Unsub 2,000.00</p>

<p>Direct Loan Sub 5,500.00</p>

<p>Pell Grant 3,400.00</p>

<p>Total 10,900.00 </p>

<hr>

<p>Estimated Financial Aid Budget 22,848.00</p>

<p>Expected Family Contribution 2,132.00</p>

<p>Estimated Need 20,716.00</p>

<p>Total Aid 10,900.00</p>

<p>Remaining Need 9,816.00</p>

<p>i am suprised that the efc is about $2000. tuition fee is about $6600 and room and board is about $12000. my financial aid doesnt even cover my room and board. even if my parents agree to pay the $2000 efc (i doubt that they would), i still have about $9800 remaining need.</p>

<p>any suggestions? i am going to call the financial aid office tomorrow. i probably going to need to apply for federal work study. if not maybe find a job when i transfer.</p>

<p>i am wondering why it is so low. i have a friend that is also transferring to csu dominguez hills. her parents make more than $100k a year. she didnt get any grants but they offered her loans that cover more than her cost of attendance.</p>

<p>^^</p>

<p>The loans that your friend was offered were likely stafford loans and Parent Plus loans. They can’t exceed her COA. They can exceed basic costs, but not the total COA (which includes personal expenses and travel).</p>

<p>Your friend can’t take the Plus loans but her parents can.</p>

<p>your parents can get a Plus loan as well…just call the school about that. But, your parents would be responsible.</p>

<p>you might consider taking a gap year and applying to a UC. if you went to a UC, you’d get the Blue and Gold promise.</p>

<p>i have a quick question, should i apply for the direct plus loan now or later, like maybe next quarter sem.
i think i have more than enough on my finanaid award for fall. however, i am turning 24 on early January and i will be independent. will that affect my application?</p>

<p>The Plus loan is a PARENT loan. Your parent would apply for it. </p>

<p>Since you’re turning 24 during the school year, I thought you’d be considered independent NOW, but maybe I’m mistaken.</p>

<p>i know its a parent loan. im just wondering if the application has a deadline. and if i postpone my application till spring, will me turning 24 next Jan affect my application.
im pretty sure im still a dependent this academic year. if im independent then shouldnt my efc be 0 since i dont have any income. grants and loans should also be higher.</p>

<p>Hopefully Kelsmom, Swimcatsmom, or some others will weigh in. I thought that if you turn 24 DURING the academic year, then you’re independent for the WHOLE year. So, call the school and find out. If so, then you may need your FAFSA fixed.</p>

<p>I tried to look up the info. The rule may be that you’d have to turn 24 before Jan 1st… Hopefully someone who knows for sure will post.</p>