Hello, I recently received my financial aid report and got around 57k in total gift aid with 44k being from the university grant itself. After work-study, I would have to pay around 15k a year using loans which would total up to 60k after four years. I know that the Stafford loans don’t have to be paid until after you graduate, but with those included there is still 40k left over that would have to come from somewhere else. I only live with my father who is divorced and earns around 30k in annual income, and because of his status as an immigrant, it would be costly financially if he were to lose a job a he would not be able to apply to another one. Because of this, I wanted to ask how I could appeal my financial aid letter to get more gift aid, and would it be likely that I could receive more aid from USC?
How about working during school year and in the summers and earning some money to cover the difference? A lot of students do.
You can only borrow ~$5500/year. Did you get accepted to any affordable colleges?
If the total income were $30k, I’d say that there’s a gap in your package would recommend the appeal. However, you mention that your dad is divorced. USC considers the income of both parents for financial aid. How much does your mom make? The appeal might be futile factoring in her income. Also, if either of your parents re-married, their spouses’ incomes are also considered.