<p>I got in to CAS and am over the moon! Unfortunately, they told me that I was not eligible for need-based aid. Without financial aid, there's definitely no way I would be able to afford to go. I live in a single parent household, and my dad (my noncustodial parent) would not be willing to pay that much money. My mom is a public school teacher and doesn't make that much. Both of them have some non-retirement savings, but would be unwilling to spend it. I also have the option of going to the University of Michigan for close to free.</p>
<p>So, my question is, do I have grounds for the university to reconsider my financial aid package? Because if they don't, there's no way I would be able to go.</p>
<p>Alright, let me give you the highs and lows of this (being in a shockingly similar boat and having gone through Penn’s reevaluation process).</p>
<p>Penn’s Student Financial Services (SFS) really does try to make it so people can afford to go to Penn. The school accepted you and they’re going to try like hell to keep you. My dad is also noncustodial and my mother is also a teacher, so I promise you I know what’s up lol. I’m assuming you applied for financial aid, so here’s the deal…</p>
<p>Penn gives some form of need-based aid to some families with a household income of less than $200,000, and aid to almost ALL students with a household income under $100k. Without being rude, if your parents have enough in their savings that SFS COMPLETELY said you don’t need aid, then they probably have a lot in savings. Seriously.</p>
<p>HOWEVER, call the SFS offices and start the negotiations process no matter what. Something that you can do is have them reevaluate your situation, which they’ll do if you just ask. If you can provide documentation that proves that your family really can’t afford to send you, they’ll definitely start providing aid. I’d say you have the grounds for reevaluation if you’re considering a different school based on money.</p>