ED concerns

<p>My D has her heart set on HC. If she applies ED, what are the chances she'll get financial aid in the form of scholarships or grants? We are very worried she'll get accepted but not get any money to off set the high tuition.</p>

<p>Early Decision is a big commitment, both academically and financially. Holy Cross’ financial aid operates on meeting 100 percent of demonstrated need for every family, as shown through the CSS Profile and FAFSA. Because the FAFSA is not available until January 1, all Early Decision students applying for financial aid will need to submit the CSS Profile right around the same time as the student submits their application. Because you are locking in your choice and removing all other applications upon acceptance, Early Decision does not let you compare scholarship or financial aid packages from other schools.</p>

<p>A useful tool that gives a very close estimate to your expected financial aid package is the Net Price calculator, which you can find here: [Financial</a> Aid | Admissions | College of the Holy Cross](<a href=“http://admissions.holycross.edu/financial-aid]Financial”>http://admissions.holycross.edu/financial-aid)</p>

<p>Of course, the numbers produced by the calculator are only as accurate as the numbers you put in (you will use the taxes you filed in April 2013), but whatever Estimated Family Contribution is shown gives you a close idea to what your financial aid package would be ([Holy Cross sticker price] - [EFC] = Financial aid package). Usually, federal stafford loans up to about $7,000 are built into each package, followed by institutional grants a student does not pay back.</p>

<p>All Early Decision students applying for aid are strongly encouraged to reach out to the financial aid office if anything is unclear, or you want a better picture of how our process works. They are happy to help. </p>

<p>–Holy Cross Admissions</p>

<p>I have heard of this problem!</p>

<p>Unless you can afford sticker price NOT NOT APPLY ED ANYWHERE!! Meeting full need, is based on their definition of full need, not your definition or the FAFSA EFC. Know folks who did ED and received virtually no aid and are in a tough place. Being accepted ED means that you must pull all of your applications from other schools.</p>

<p>MA DAD You don’t pull applications until you have your financial aid award. If the family can not afford the school, the student CAN withdraw from ED thus continue on with the application process at other schools. You must pull applications after accepting the financial aid award from your ED school, not after acceptance. </p>

<p>Bottom line it is complicated and you will pay more with ED …question often is HOW MUCH more?</p>