Financial Aid

<p>I know we often talk about scholarships here, but does anyone have any experience with Tulane's financial aid system?</p>

<p>I've been accepted and offered the 17k scholarship, and I will soon apply for the Louisiana Legislative Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship would be the only way I'll even be able to consider going to Tulane, which is my top school at this time. I understand that the Legislative Scholarship only pays for tuition ($43,434), which is $13,050 less than the total cost of attendance. I'd receive TOPS, which is worth about $3750, so I'd be left with $9,300 owed.</p>

<p>My parents are recently divorced, and my mom has custody of me and my only brother. She makes about $45k per year, working a full-time job and two other part-time jobs- three jobs total. Plus, I am type 1 diabetic, and she has to spend most extra money she makes on my medicine and medical supplies, insurance, doctor visits, etc. Needless to say, we're a bit pinched for money. I've been having to spend all of the money I've been able to save up on college applications. I can't see my mom being able to spend $9,300 extra on school.</p>

<p>I'm concerned about applying for financial aid, because I know the FAFSA and such won't really take into account the fact that all of her income goes toward paying for my health, haha- they'll just see that she makes $45k.</p>

<p>What're the chances that my EFC will actually be manageable? I really don't have a firm understanding of how these things work. I'd appreciate it so much if someone could explain. Like I said, if I don't get the Legislative scholarship, I'm going to have to take Tulane entirely off my list anyway.</p>

<p>I don’t have any experience with the FAFSA or CSS forms, but I have to believe they have a way to take into account fixed expenses such as your health care. Anyway, my advice is general in nature, which is to say after all the forms and scholarships are in, you and your Mom should make sure you talk directly with financial aid, in person if possible. These things are negotiable to some extent, and Tulane does have a “no loan” program for incomes under $75,000. But that might only cover tuition, I am not sure. Also, your father’s income is a factor even though he does not have custody, if I understand the rules correctly.</p>

<p>Alright, thank you- I just hate how “up in the air” everything is, haha. I hate getting my heart set on a school that I may or may not be able to go to!</p>

<p>I know what you mean, this happens every year with quite a few students. Unfortunately financial aid decisions are not usually received until mid-March or later and so there is little to do but wait.</p>

<p>butaneVeins, fill out the FAFSA and CSS Profile - Tulane requires both. The Profile has a place to explain circumstances (such as chronic health issues) that may not appear on the FAFSA. (Though the FAFSA does have a line for healthcare expenses not covered by insurance, if memory serves.) No one can really tell you what financial aid you may qualify for at this point - you just have to go through the process. I will tell you that we have found Tukane’s financial aid to be generous. (I would prefer a smaller percentage of loan in the total - but generous none the less.)</p>

<p>Alright, thank you- I really wasn’t sure if there was a place on these forms for medical expenses and such at all.</p>

<p>Don’t give up and be patient. My S’s aid package was changing right up to May 1, and it really wasn’t completely finalized until after that. Visit campus. Get to know your admissions rep. As I understand it, Admissions makes decisions about merit aid and Financial Aid makes decisions about need-based aid. It probably will be very tough to get a package that leaves you paying less than your Expected Family Contribution, but we found Tulane to be very generous and willing to work with applicants. Even better, my S loves Tulane.</p>

<p>the no loan program is for tuition only. Our income is less than $75,000 and d has merit and financial aid scholarships and grants for the tuition. She was offered three loans to go towards room and board, we accepted 2 of those loans and not the third.</p>