Financial Aid Advice?

<p>My S just finished his sophomore year at Tisch. We are a middle income family and we have really struggled to pay his tuition for these two years. I wish i had known about CC a couple of years ago so that when he wanted to apply early decision, we would have been aware of NYU's reputation in regard to financial aid.</p>

<p>So for his junior year, we will have a second kid in college, the tuition and fees at Tisch went up nearly 5k from last year AND my hours were cut from full time to half time. Today, we received his financial aid award. I was naive enough to think that these changes in our family income and number of students would make at least a minimal difference in his award. Instead, we received the same amount as the last two years! Which means that we are supposed to come up with nearly 50k for his tuition and expenses, while paying for our daughter's tuition. Or take on crippling debt.</p>

<p>I am not trying to whine about this. I just need advice from other NYU parents who may have had similar experiences. I plan to call the FA office, file an appeal and write a letter. But it seems like what i have read on other threads would lead me to believe that they are not going to come through with more aid. </p>

<p>I would be grateful for any advice. I fear my son my be taking his "gap year" midway through his education.</p>

<p>NYU is huge. Financail aid is spread over a large student body. Have you tried appealing your aid decision? You might have to consider other schools.</p>

<p>My daughter also just finished her second year at CAS. What you are doing is the exact course I would do. Have your son appeal and call the FA office.<br>
Another course of action is to have a close professor at TISCH, that your son can get in touch with and explain the circumstances and see what they can do to intervene. Believe me, they have a lot of input. A friend of my D at NYU came into to some extreme financial hardship and a professor in her department intervened and was able to come up with a lot more FA.
Im not sure what will work, but I totally can sympathize with you. I have not received my D FA leeter yet. I’m waiting with baited breath and hope there are no suprises.</p>

<p>One would think that when your EFC changes, they would make some changes to increases aid.
Best of luck. Let us know what happens.</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice! I talked to the FA office today (not helpful, as expected), my son filed an appeal and he also contacted one of his profs who responded right away and said she would be happy to advocate for him. It may or may not work, but at least we are trying everything!</p>