<p>I have mentioned in another thread, it is extremely important to file FASFA to get every ACADEMIC scholarship at MIAMI that you are eligible. If you filed FASFA than your FA package reflects your true award, if you did not file FASFA, you could have gotten more.</p>
<p>I'm sorry you had some disappointing results, believersmom. Like others have said, you've been a great champion here. I understand your frustrations because last year we were in a similar situation with my D's first choice school. Ultimately she had to switch loyalties, and is very happy now at MU. It was rough at the time, but these things have a way of working out.</p>
<p>I take it your D was applying to Miami as an out of state student, since you were left with 28k per year. I'm assuming she was awarded the out of state scholarship (something like $6800) that goes to those with certain class rank and SAT. I don't think there are a lot more scholarships available for general population - $1000 for scholars, $2000 for honors - which are also somewhat automatic, based on academics. There are the full rides for the tippy top academically and the tippy top athletically. There are department specific awards.</p>
<p>Beyond that, there are need-based awards and in-state awards, neither of which I have knowledge.</p>
<p>MU has a nice population of "above average" students. The down side of that is that a student has to truly stand out (or be in state) to get better money. They are fairly inexpensive in comparison to many schools.</p>
<p>In one of your posts, you mentioned $80k worth of loans. In another place, you mentioned cost being $28k per year. Doing the math, I am thinking your EFC is $8000 (28 - 20 = 8)? If that is accurate, I'm disappointed that MU didn't come through with more for you. If they did meet your EFC, though, and your D is not a super star in any other way, then I would say you were treated fairly. (And therefore, it is wonderful that your D got even better offers from some of her other schools.) S</p>
<p>ometimes people equate EFC with loans, which is accurate if you do not have another plan to pay for your EFC, but is not what the government means by EFC. EFC is what they think you have a reasonable chance of paying for .... eventually. Not necessarily out of pocket this month. Most people meet their EFC with a combination of monthly income, savings, assets, and borrowing against future income. People with low EFC's are judged to not have this ability - even in the future.</p>
<p>I don't know if you appealed or not. We did last year, just for principal (because of a complicated financial situation), but we knew that D's awards already brought her costs below our EFC. </p>
<p>D is my third and last kid to go to college, and is attending the cheapest school of the three. (Oldest went Ivy - no merit. Second went private with some merit.) We are out of state, so we still pay $16k per year even after some nice scholarships. We are deemed to have no need, despite having 8 years worth of loans piled up. </p>
<p>I am happy your D has other options, and trust it will work out for the best.</p>