<p>I recieved $14,000 in a "need based grant" from Fairfield University. However, on their website, they say that need-based awards " may vary from year to year according to the student's need and the availablility of funds." So, if I'm interpreting this correctly, even if my need remains the same, they could reduce the amount of the grant if they don't have "available funds". Does this sound like front-loading? FU costs more than 47 grand a year. This would make a big difference to me if what started out as a grant ended up as a loan. Does anyone have any information on Fairfield's practices in this area? I will definitely call the Fin. Aid office, but I'm not sure I should trust what they say.</p>
<p>front loading, bait and switch or whatever..if you don't have a back up plan i would not go, especially the "availability of funds" bit.</p>
<p>Thanks for answering, sunnydad. Do you think if I ask the Financial Aid Office directly if the need based grant could disappear after Freshman year that they'd answer honestly? I hate to be so suspicious, I've just heard people say things like this have happened before (not particularly at Fairfield, however.)</p>