Financial aid experiences

<p>My question is: how well have you guys fared with financial aid at CMU in terms of the amount of loans vs grants vs work study they have given you? How well do they actually -attempt- to meet your EFC as generated by the FAFSA?</p>

<p>I already know URM's with good credentials heading into super competitive departments probably have the best of the best in terms of financial aid. I know one African American who was in ECE and had only about 5k worth in loans while another guy had 9k worth in loans. My estimate was basically at 57K out of 60K for early decision, but my EFC was only 72 dollars. I know it is not necessarily the amount that my family has to contribute, but rather an "index". However, I know some of my other friends at private universities only had to pay exactly what their EFC stated. I am already aware that CMU utilizes its own institutional methodology. </p>

<p>Please share your experiences and thoughts in this thread.</p>