<p>I just figured I'd let everyone know that I got my financial aid package. I'm content with it, my EFC was roughly 1200 I believe, and my packaged totaled 51,700. 5500 were loans and that means i'll have to come up with 3000 more in loans... Meaning I'd have to take out 8500 in loans/yr to go there. Is 34k in debt at graduation worth it? Guess it's a decision I'll be making soon. Anyway, the financial aid at URO seems good.</p>
<p>Good luck to everyone. I received my package via-email, by the way.</p>
<p>Also received FA package online. Package had $5,500 in loans and $2,500 in work study but on top of that there was a 7,000 gap left to pay to meet the COA(($54,730).That would total $12,500 in loans each year. With an income of less than 30K it looks like Rochester must have calculated the full equity in our home without regards to income to come up with a $7,000 EFC. Anyway,that’s the only thing I can think of. Fortunately most other colleges cap the value of home based on income. So here’s to hope for an affordable college education somewhere else. Good luck to the rest of you.</p>
<p>I highly suggest that you appeal your aid if you are seriously thinking of Rochester. Tell them to explain how that aid added up. They do consider appeals.</p>
<p>I have heard only wonderful things about financial aid at Rochester. Especially if the package makes it impossible to attend. The people at financial aid seem to work with students who are unhappy with their financial aid package, and it can’t hurt to try. Good luck!!</p>
<p>Hey… I am not terribly familiar with the logistics of the Financial Aid process, but I can confirm that the Financial Aid office is very much willing to work with families to make Rochester an affordable option. It is the only reason my sister (1 of 5 college-bound students in my family) was able to attend. I recommend that anyone with questions contact them.</p>
<p>Also, for what it’s worth… Rochester is among the top 5 or 10 schools with regard to the rate at which students pay back student loans. That would seem to suggest that students are graduating, finding jobs, and putting themselves in a position to pay off loans quickly. To that extent it seems a solid investment… though of course you have to weigh your options. If you have any specific questions, feel free to send me a PM.</p>
<p>You should look at the $34k relative to your other choices, not in a vacuum. Is $34k too much? No. Is it too much if you have another good choice that costs you $0. Probably not. Odds are, though, the comparison is more between $34k and some other number greater than $0 - like $10k or $25k. That’s where no one can tell but you and your family.</p>
<p>I was helping a student who was invited for GEAR and got the FA package just before the interview. FA was not willing to negotiate and seemed offended that the student had asked. The family was significantly gapped.</p>