Financial Aid Problem

Colleges and Universities A-Z Emory University
1

<p>So, I'm stuck. I need $20,000 or else I'm pretty much going to a community college. I thought that if scholarships ended up falling through or something, I'd be able to take out a private student loan since I've already gotten the maximum from the government. Well, it appears the last person that could co-sign a loan for me, my grandfather (my last relative that was creditworthy, or even a U.S. citizen), died. My parents underwent a financial strain when they tried to open a business and it wound them up bankrupt 4 years ago, rendering them unable to have a Parent PLUS loan, or even co-sign on a private loan. I've already paid my admission deposit and sent in my EDII card, which pretty much "confused" me into retracting my accepted UGA application. Emory doesn't give out final financial aid packages until April (when you can appeal for more aid), but they make me sign the ED card and pay by March 2nd. So, now I'm in a run for scholarships that have stiff competition. </p>

<p>My FAFSA said my expected family contribution was $18,000. Well, pretty much, my parents said it was 0. They can't give me any money at all. I'm either totally f*****, or Emory cuts me a break. But, why would they, in essence, give me a full ride over someone that can just pay for attendance there?</p>

<p>But, on the other hand, Emory stresses its refusal to turn away Emory-abled kids due to financial strain. Do you think my "special" case would get me more aid? Because all they could give me is a straight up grant (in addition to the one I already have). Do any of you think it's possible to get any more money from them? Just as a reference point, I've already received $19,000 in institutional grants, $2,000 under work study, $5,500 in Federal Stafford Loans, and $4,700 in Georgia HOPE scholarship. I don't know if Emory is working out Federal Perkins loan stuff, or if I'm even eligible. </p>

<p>My mom doesn't work (back condition), my dad makes sub $100k, and my brother has disabilities, therefore a lot of income goes towards medical expenses not covered by a POS insurance.</p>

<p>Again, would Emory accept my case and maybe give me more aid, or would I have to settle for a community school?</p>

2

<p>Arenas46,</p>

<p>I'm sorry and sympathetic about the financial straits you've described. Unfortunately, there is nobody here on CC who will be able to help you much. The most important questions you have can only be addressed adequately in a conversation with Emory's Office of Financial Aid. Your circumstances are daunting, and it will be important to demonstrate severe financial need to bump your aid package up dramatically. </p>

<p>You say that your "dad makes sub $100k" ... which can mean anything from income of $99K to $12K, but regardless, if "a lot of income goes towards medical expenses not covered by a POS insurance", is the Office of Financial Aid aware of this financial obligation and its impact? </p>

<p>Possible options may be additional loans (e.g., Pell or Perkins) and perhaps an increase in institutional grant money, if you can persuade your hardship case. BTW, are your sure that the amount for the Georgia Hope scholarship is correct? Emory is on the semester system, so wouldn't the scholarship be $3500 for a school year?</p>

<p>Contact the Office of Financial Aid and ask for your assigned Financial Aid Advisor. Good luck to you.</p>

3

<p>Thank you so much, and I apologize, I should have been more consistent with being specific. My dad makes around $90k, and two years ago, there was a family emergency ultimately resulting in outstanding medical bills, on top of what already exists. Unfortunately, we weren't able to detail that on FAFSA or CSS as it was two years ago, despite the fact we are still recovering from that.</p>

<p>But, yes, you're right, I need to get in contact with a financial aid counselor to push this along. </p>

<p>Do you have any understanding of when Perkins loans are distributed, or if I didn't qualify for it because I didn't already have it upon getting my estimated award? I doubt I qualify for a Pell grant. </p>

<p>Georgia HOPE scholarship maximizes at $4,700 per year for a private institution, so, yes, it is $2,350 per semester at Emory.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help and input. I'll do my best to get in contact with an advisor and get this ball rolling.</p>

<p>I'll make sure to keep CC updated on it. </p>

<p>Again, thanks.</p>

4

<p>Arenas,</p>

<p>I think getting in touch with your Financial Aid Advisor is a good move. If you can clearly lay out your financial information and present a solid case, the people in the Financial Aid office can be flexible. They understand that changes in circumstances can occur, and so they are open to working with individual students on a case-by-case basis. It will still be a tough sell, but if you can document your family's financial obligations, they are at least open to hearing your situation.</p>

<p>Thanks for the info. about the HOPE scholarship. As far as other options, the Financial Aid Advisor can best give you an idea of what you qualify for. As well, I doubt that you will qualify for a Pell Grant. Good luck, again.</p>