<p>Any suggestions? I don't have other schools to compare offers to them, but my dad said our EFC on FAFSA was already way over what we could pay, and Duke wants me to pay $20,000 a year in loans. I will do anything to go there, but the loans are too much!</p>
<p>Are there any unusual financial circumstances that may not have come across in the FA app? Without a competing offer, that would probably be your best bet.</p>
<p>I have to be honest - your situation is quite common. A ton of people claim their EFCs are higher than what they can actually pay. My family can't really afford to pay full freight, but despite begging and pleading with the FA office, we received nothing in financial aid. That may very well be the case with you too, at which point you're going to face some tough decisions about how far you're willing to go to come to Duke.</p>
<p>I mean, I am surprised I didn't get an athletic scholarship since I am a 2-time state champion. Could I still call and ask for one?</p>
<p>Also, why is Duke's family contribution much higher than the EFC from FAFSA? Is that a mistake or something?</p>