<p>I'm a junior in high school. My family's income is below $20,000. I wanted to know if early decision at Columbia would be a good option as it's my number #1 school that I want to end up applying to, because I don't want to leave college with any loans. I know in other colleges that would be the case for me where I wouldn't leave with any loans. I would really appreciate any input. Oh, and what are the terms in regards to financial aid could you break the contract were u to be accepted ED? Thanks!</p>
<p>No
don't apply early decision if you have to compare financial aid packages. Apply regular and see what colleges give you more money in financial aid</p>
<p>But, If you cite reasons that you can't pay for columbia then eventually they should release you</p>
<p>Family's income below 20K? You won't have to pay a cent.
<a href="http://www.columbia.edu/cu/news/07/04-new/kluge.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.columbia.edu/cu/news/07/04-new/kluge.html</a></p>
<p>About in the middle.</p>
<p>But if you absolutely don't want loans/workstudy, then you'll have to do a lot of digging.</p>
<p>Thanks! I'll keep that in mind.</p>
<p>Although actually Columbia guarantees full rides or at least to fulfill the gap between teh FAFSA and the bill for anyone whose income is below a certain mark.</p>
<p>I think 25,000 is the ballpark, so you should qualify for it.</p>
<p>"But if you absolutely don't want loans/workstudy, then you'll have to do a lot of digging."</p>
<p>Just FYI,
Even quite generous award packages (no loans) usually have a token requirement of work-study for even those from the lowest income brackets. We're talking not a lot of hours per week, but it becomes the student's personal expenses money. It can be a good thing because sometimes those w/s jobs can lead to a better campus job in an area of the student's interest.</p>
<p>Emphasis on "a lot"</p>
<p>You won't have any PARENTAL contribution (thus no loans).</p>
<p>ok, thanks everyone</p>