Financial Aid and Early Decision

<p>If you apply somewhere early decision and get accepted on or before December 15 (based on the college), when will you know your financial aid package. If, after you see the financial aid package, you know theres NO way you can afford that, what do you do from there? Please help me, I want to apply ED but im not sure what my Financial Aid would be.</p>

<p>If your financial aid situation is very important, do NOT apply early decision. If you apply and are accepted ED, you must withdraw all your other applications and acceptances (if any). Keep in mind that the finaid package that the college gives you may fulfil what THEY feel is your need but may not fulfil what YOU feel is your need. And in most cases, loans can be expected as part of your finaid package. Bottom line is that withdrawing an ED acceptance solely based on finances is very risky for you, the student. The school may very well meet what they think is your need. If you need to compare finaid packages, don't apply in the binding ED round. It's not worth the risk.</p>

<p>Would i be able to call the school that I want to apply ED to and ask them what my package would be like if i were accepted ED? If I get accepted ED do i get my aid package with the acceptance?</p>

<p>Sometimes your finaid award comes in the ED package and sometimes it comes later. It doesn't matter. When you are accepted ED, the understanding is that you will accept enrollment at the school unless there is a dire circumstance that would prevent this. I doubt seriously that the school will give you a finaid "estimate" prior to your acceptance. Sorry...if the finaid is that important, do NOT apply ED...don't. I hope someone else pipes in here.</p>

<p>Ya I agree. Any actual examples of maybe someone who did apply somewhere ED and when their Finaid came or even someone in the same position as me?</p>

<p>Someone else may chime in that has your scenario, but clearly, ED is NOT intended for those students that need to look at a finaid package on which to base their attendence decision.</p>

<p>By the same token, you will have a pretty good idea of where your EFC will fall by using the various calcs. You are starting early enough (I assume you are looking at a Fall 2008 start), to understand fully your options prior to going ED.</p>

<p>Financial Aid is the reason my daughter didn't file for Early Decision to her number one choice. Without a great aid package, she wouldn't be able to attend. Use the EFC calculators widely available AND research your top choice's financial aid sections. Do they offer 100% of demonstrated need? Many top schools now have some sort of family earning cap where if you parents make less than $X, loan caps and/or full financial aid. If you think the school has such criteria, then make some calls.</p>