<p>Or do we have to wait until the spring. Do they at least give us an estimate of what they can offer us?</p>
<p>I think it depends on the school. Wait and see, I guess.</p>
<p>Estimate, I think comes with the decision. Wait till spring for the definite package and it can change from there even (appeals, etc.)</p>
<p>You'll get a tentative financial aid offer. You'll receive a final award next spring based on your 2008 tax info. The tentative award might come with your acceptance letter, or it might follow in a separate mailing within a week or so.</p>
<p>esgee, when my son was accepted EA at one university a couple of years ago, a tentative need-based f.a. offer was included with the acceptance; as 'rentof2 mentioned, the offer was subject to change once updated income tax returns were filed. However, at this particular school, merit aid offers are not made until regular decision letters are sent in the spring, so the final picture was not clear at the time of the early acceptance.</p>