Unfortunately, I was not offered any money from JMU. It’s my number one school right now and I just can’t afford it. I have a big family (4 kids and a sibling in college) and my dad plans on retiring this fall. Our income is going to be cut in half and there’s no way my parents can pull off 38k. I got offered money at another school that my parents are pushing, but I love JMU. How does an appeal work/should I even bother?
The sooner the better, and explain your circumstances–a well written letter and any documents that might show the upcoming retirement, unexpected family expenses etc
You did do the FAFSA,right? Surprised with your large family and a sibling in college that you did not receive any aid.
@collegemaw I visited JMU this weekend and figured I’d stop by the aid office. It was a terrible experience (to say the LEAST). The woman was unprofessional and just flat out rude. Basically, she told me all the money goes to VA students, so unless I qualify for the Pell Grant, I’m hopeless. She wouldn’t even sit down with my mother to discuss costs. Just thinking of this woman’s ignorance infuriates me.
As far as aid goes, I can share our experience with our out of state student. We were contacted about the Madison Achievement award, and seemed like they bumped up the amount after we did not initially commit. Went from 3,500 to 5,000 on the Achievement award, then offered us a STEM Century scholarship award which corresponds to 75% of the in-state tuition cost. (Around 8,000). Keep in mind this was in the Math department, so it may imply aid may be associated to students for certain majors. So from our perspective, we actually felt like our student was being recruited by them.