<p>is there a way i can appeal my financial aid award? much in the same way that applicants can appeal an admissions decision? what is the process for this? how should i go about it? is there a legitimate chance that i might get more money? </p>
<p>my fafsa efc is 0..... but somehow usc expects me to pay 30k+... usc is definitely my first choice.. but there is no way i can come out of undergrad with 100k+ in debt... its just not practical.... that puts me at 200k+ if i decide to go to grad school... basically crippling debt.</p>
<p>Did you call USC financial aid and/or check the USC financial aid web site and see what it says? I agree with you not to go into debt. My sense on this forum is that it makes sense to appeal if you have some unusual circumstances preventing you from paying 30k plus which may not show up on financial aid forms on the computer (ex. taking care of elderly parents, divorce, drop in assets, job loss, etc.). I suggest you appeal but I don’t know the procedure. Try to have a good back up choice while you appeal. Also, if you are not satisfied with the results of an appeal, then talk to USC about a transfer agreement for you to do 2 years at a community college and then 2 years at USC.</p>
<p>Send them a letter, either written or as an email (email will be faster). We appealed. The reason USC expects you to pay more than fafsa–usually due to home equity and investments and savings. You needed to fill out the CSS/Profile. That takes into consideration home equity and other investments. Check the info you entered. You can also use the website finaid. Their calculator can estimate using the Institutional Method USC uses. You can do what ifs by changing home equity, etc to see its affect on how much USC might expect you to pay.</p>