Financial Aid at Skidmore

Colleges and Universities A-Z Skidmore College
1

Hello! I am interested in Skidmore with academic stats well above their averages, however, I feel defeated after discovering that their financial aid calculator has me paying near full rate. While I understand based on the information provided how it would be possible (single parent working made 200k+ a year, other parent retired), I live in a part of the country with very high living expenses and other high end schools (Boston College, Brandeis, Villanova, Smith, etc.) have estimates around half rate, which is far more affordable for my family. While I understand that online estimators are not perfectly accurate, the drastic difference here is startling. I’m really at a loss for words about it. Those estimates also do not take into consideration the fact that both of my parents are retired (one fairly recently, which is why there would still be income on my forms).

Should I even bother looking? It’s 2 1/2 hours away and at the current price, there is no way I’d be able to afford it to attend. I have a job (have worked all four years of high school) and am questioning if my days off would be better spent at a different university, despite the fact I absolutely LOVE what I have seen online about Skidmore. It’s not one of those situations where I could just convince my parents that it’s so perfect for me and that there will be such an amazing return on investment because 1. my parents are practical people and 2. it’s simply a situation of not having that money (I’d be able to afford 45k a year MAX). My parents are very adamant about not taking out loans, which I agree with-- if I can go somewhere else and not be able to take out loans, why should I for this one university?

For those who have applied, did you do the online estimator? Was it accurate? Do people generally not get a lot of aid from Skidmore?

Lastly, do you think sending a letter to the office of financial aid explaining my situation would make anything budge? I’m just so stunned and very confused.

2

if you have high stats you might want to try colleges that give high merit awards. I am working with my niece who comes from a middle class family and we did the net price calculator of all the colleges she wanted prior to submitting her application, to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises in the end. Getting accepted to your top choice is great if and only if you know your family can afford to send you there. You are doing the right thing and being sensible with your college applications. Try St. Olaf College or Denison University. Ohio Wesleyan also has great merit scholarships. You just need to look further and sometimes, out of the box in terms of your geographical choices.

3

With a 200K income you will pay full sticker price. However, if you have high stats you might be awarded some merit money. This will really be your only hope at any school. However, having just gone though the process with my son I was surprised how generous schools were. I did not expect that.

If you have not seen Skidmore yet, hold your horses. You can not tell if you love a school until you actually visit. Many times students fall in love with pictures and an image on a website and when they go visit, they don’t feel the same. Personally I find Skidmore cold and unappealing. But I agree, their website is beautiful.