<p>I have 2 questions for parents of accepted seniors and parents of current Elon students.</p>
<p>First, their website says they are "need-blind". But - I am a little skeptical. Seems like being a full pay would be at least a tip.</p>
<p>For those that have rcvd FA awards - what is the typical package? Is is a Stafford loan and work study? Or are there grants as well? (Realizing this may vary with EFC - just looking for some general info).</p>
<p>You can see where I am heading - is it worth applying for need-based FA at Elon? I fully understand that by having a reduced price tag compared to similar schools - they are already giving us a bit of a break. </p>
<p>I wouldn't want to have my son apply for FA next year if that will adversely impact his admissions chances or if all he will receive is loans anyway.</p>
<p>Elon isn’t known for giving a lot of FA - in large part because they keep their price low to begin with, which is almost a form of FA for every student. Most colleges spend a certain percentage of the income dollars they receive on FA for other students. Elon spends a lower percentage of their tuition income, and they have a relatively small endowment. But on the other hand, Elon’s tuition is BELOW the national average for private colleges, so students wouldn’t need as much aid to attend Elon as to attend other colleges.</p>
<p>I can’t speak to how it impacts admissions - my D was ED, she applied for FA but we were told we were unlikely to receive any. (Our EFC was right at Elon’s cost of attendance). In the end she was offered loans and work-study.</p>
<p>My thinking on this is that S2’s freshman year will also be S1’s senior year - so our EFC will be quite low for that one year as we will have 2 in college. I’m just thinking it would be nice to have some FA for that one year - although we have other options as well.</p>
<p>rockvillemom, I’m happy to share our experience with Elon FA, in hopes it may help or encourage you in some way. For us it has been a very positive experience. Our student received an Elon grant larger than the Presidential Scholarship, a subsidized loan, and work-study. Like you, we have another in college, which made our EFC 17,300. So, I feel Elon was both fair and generous, and this really helped to make the dream of attending Elon come true.</p>
<pre><code> IMHO, those who apply ED anywhere should do so with the realization it may reduce their chances for FA. After all, the school knows you are committed to them regardless of any FA award, so ED applicants must be prepared to pay more. This in turn helps their chances of admission. Compre ED admissions stats with EA or RD at any school.
As for “need blind” admissions, I can’t really say. I am willing to take them at their word. I strongly recommend your student apply for FA, and I do not think it will hurt admissions chances. Take time and all the steps needed for a strong application, and do the same for FA, to include getting everything filed early. Doing the FAFSA and CSS Profile is time-consuming, but I believe it is easier to get a good FA award if your application is in when there is still plenty of money left to portion out. I also recommend you research FAFSA and CSS strategies on-line before you start, as there are needless mistakes which can and should be avoided. Best of luck to you; I hope to read one day that it all turned out as well for you as it has for our family.
</code></pre>
<p>merkur - thank you so much - that is exactly the type of info I was looking for. The fact that there was a grant involved - that is the key factor in my decision making. I’ve been doing FAFSA and CSS for older son for the past few years - so very familiar with the process. Very helpful - thanks.</p>