Early Decision Financial Aid

<p>I got in Early Decision and got my Financial Aid information back in December or January (can't remember), and it looked fine, but they told me they'd redo it when they adopted the new aid policy (eliminating loans for some people). I sent in my parents tax forms and a form explaining why I don't have any, but I haven't heard from the financial aid office since they first outlined my aid package. Is that okay? Has anyone else heard back from them?</p>

<p>ED here. i sent it in late, and i'm still waiting for it too</p>

<p>Try checking jtf.cornell.edu</p>

<p>They update the packages on there before they send them out. Mine was online 2 weeks before I got it in the mail.</p>

<p>Ok, I checked on that website and I do have an aid package, but I wonder if they're done adjusting it with their new policy, because I still have something called a direct federal subsidized loan, and I thought I fell under the 'no loan' income bracket. also, it says my estimated need is $44,222, but my aid package is only for $43,898. I thought they met 100% of estimated need.</p>

<p>Oh, well, I guess the difference is really small, so they just have certain chunks in aid they can give out and there was no combination that matched my need exactly.</p>

<p>Another question: Does anyone know what the student contribution portion is supposed to go towards? Do we need to use that money to pay tuition and fees, or is it budgeted in as that being what they want us to pay for our personal expenses?</p>

<p>Oh, well, I guess the difference is really small, so they just have certain chunks in aid they can give out and there was no combination that matched my need exactly.</p>

<p>Another question: Does anyone know what the student contribution portion is supposed to go towards? Do we need to use that money to pay tuition and fees, or is it budgeted in as that being what they want us to pay for our personal expenses?</p>

<p>The student contribution is just what Cornell expects you to contribute...via personal savings, employment or a loan. The contribution is usually based on your own personal savings. Any money received is applied toward tuition and room/board payment first. If those expenses are covered, then you can apply it toward books and supplies or other related expenses.</p>

<p>dewdrops, so if Cornell's Aid covers most of Tuition and room and board, then technicaly you only need to contribute the remainder? or am I incorrect? Do I still have to come up with the total EFC even though that includes Books, Travel, and Misc expenses?</p>

<p>bump bump, dewdrop87, anything?</p>

<p>Sorry...just back from work.</p>

<p>The only 2 expenses you need to worry about for the bursar bill are tuition and room+board...non-payment of these fees will result in de-registration.</p>

<p>If your Cornell aid covers all those costs (i.e. you bursar balance is 0)...you don't need to come up with the EFC. You pay for books and such out of your own pocket...but, if you get refund you may use the money for that as well.</p>

<p>What about meal plan costs? Do you pay for that out of pocket?</p>

<p>No...the meal plan is the "board" part of the room and board charges.</p>

<p>On your bursar bills you'll see charges for tuition, room rent, meal plan and health insurance (if purchasing). As long as your financial aid covers those charges you're fine.</p>