I’m just curious. I applied (and was accepted) to Columbia’s School of General Studies, and they give a fraction of the aid that Columbia College students receive. Did anyone here receive a financial aid package from Columbia College? Was your demonstrated financial need all met with grants? And did anyone here receive a full grant to study at Columbia College?
I’m really sorry you have to deal with this. I know how difficult it is to afford Columbia if you are in GS. To answer your question, Columbia College and SEAS do meet full demonstrated need for every student with grants (loans are not a part of the financial aid package). I did receive very close to a full grant to study at Columbia though it changes slightly each year.
Columbia College, SEAS and Barnard all meet 100% of demonstrated financial need as a matter of policy. Of course, your idea of your financial need may differ from theirs, so the key phrase is “demonstrated financial need”. GS unfortunately does not have the resources to do so.
Regarding loans, even though Columbia is a “no loans” university, many students still have to take them as the financial aid allowances are not particularly generous. And frequently parents cannot meet their financial contribution and so must borrow to cover it.