<p>so I got a financial aid package in the mail today.</p>
<p>it says cost of attendance is $52,186.00.
then, says my award totals is $52,180.00.</p>
<p>....is it really possible I only have to pay $6?</p>
<p>i DO NOT BELIEVE THIS.
am i reading this wrong?!?</p>
<p>and also, why is one school able to come up with a financial aid package for me, while another school is asking for a million more documents??</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>what does your “award” include? Is it $52,180 in grants or are there loans/work study in the package? How much in loans? Remember you have to pay THOSE back.</p>
<p>You should check for a breakdown of the award – how much of it is grants, etc. If any part of it is in loans, then you are actually paying that amount – at a later date. Also, work study is an amount that you are paying from your earnings. Make sure to check all of these details.</p>
<p>FA offices do not operate in the same way. Some require more documents than others, and some respond more quickly than others. Also, the types of awards given (grants versus loans) differ form one school to another. </p>
<p>I you did get a very generous offer, congratulations!</p>
<p>Make sure you understand how much of it is renewable for the rest of the time you’re in school.</p>