<p>I just got my financial aid estimates, and they're pretty good...</p>
<p>Since my ability to attend is basically dependent on the money, how close are the estimates to the amount I'll actually get?</p>
<p>My son's were essentially the same. There will be some difference if your income estimates are different from the actual figures you submit with you and your folks complete your taxes and provide the actual figures for 2007. </p>
<p>My son's grant aid increased his second and third year and that has partially compensated for the tuition increases (our income also increased a bit each year). </p>
<p>Chicago has various types of jobs available - both work-study and non work-study. You should be able to meet (and likely exceed) the amount of money that you are excepted to contribute with term-time employement and summer work. Also remember any outside scholarships you are able to obtain will decrease the amount you are expected to borrow (first) and then you amount you are expected to contribute out of your own earnings. If you and your folks can manage the first year - and you are willing to work - I think you will be ok.</p>
<p>very helpful, thank you</p>