Financial Aid determination

Just thought I would start a thread regarding final financial aid packages, as most were on Checkmarq this week. I have a couple of kids heading to school in the fall–so I have been seeing lots of packages and awards over the past few months. DS got the Pere Marquette award (which we already knew about) and a small additional grant. Not really enough to make a dent in the cost. I know that the private schools have a different way of calculating need–but Marquette’s package didn’t even come close to what other schools have identified as our family’s need.

Maybe others have had a different experience–but I find it interesting that some schools that I would consider to be on the same level with Marquette (St. Louis U, Xavier to name two) gave much more competitive packages. Unfortunate too, because Marquette was at the top of the list, but reality has us looking elsewhere.

Wondering if other’s had similar experiences?

similar story here. Good Pere award, small grant. Gets tuition down but still high. Didn’t apply to many other schools though.

Strange that the packages would be that d ifferent because now they all work off the same FAFSA data so your EFC should basically be the same at every school (other than those that rely on CSS). Maybe their mix of grants & loans is different.

If you really want to go to Marquette, make a competitive appeal for more money. But you will need to be willing to commit to attend if they give you what you’re asking for.

How do you go about making an appeal for more money?

You write to the Financial Aid office. There are two angles:

  • your financial situation has materially changed from what was on your FAFSA (loss of job, death in family, etc) so there’s a change in your EFC
  • you are deciding between Marquette and another school and the other school has offered you more money. If you go this route you likely need to say that if Marquette matches the amount you are committing to enroll.

Thanks for the information. Before reading your post I called Marquette. They went through a number of questions asking if my situation has changed since originally filling out the FAFSA (my situation has not changed). So they said no more money, LOL! I did mention we love Marquette but are trying to make it work, yada yada yada but it didnt help. I am a terrible negotiator.

I just want to let anyone who in the upcoming years is looking for information on financial aid appeals know that Marquette specifically states on their website that they do not “match” other schools prices. I do however feel it is worth it to simply email or call them requesting any additional financial help if it’s possible and kindly state how much money you’re getting from another school without asking them to match it. I am attempting this soon to Marquette because it is my top choice right now, and I have done so with another school who ended up raising my grant aid slightly. I really hope Marquette can raise my aid because I would love to attend there. I will update on here to let you kmow how it goes soon.

@jess016 How did the financial aid and appeal turn out for you?