So I’m from Texas, and I’m down to two choices for schools: Fordham University or the University of Texas at Austin.
The thing is, going to school in NYC has been my dream since forever. Unfortunately, my family can’t afford Fordham with what I’ve been given ($22k in need-based grant, $10k with the Jogues Scholarship, and $3300 with a work study). The rest would have to be loans or money coming straight from my and my family’s pockets.
UT Austin, however, I would have to pay only ~$7000 (if I don’t get any scholarships) per semester as opposed to Fordham’s ~$20k per semester.
Would it be okay to send a letter of appeal to Fordham, explaining that I would do everything I can to attend and that I am dying to attend, but that UT Austin is providing me with better aid?
Unless you have new info Fordham is unlikely to give you more aid. They also don’t match other
schools. Many people can’t go to Fordham because of the cost. UT Texas is awesome you should definitely it’ll go there and love it!
@anxnymous it never hurts to ask. The worst that can happen is that they will not be able to increase your aid beyond what they’ve already offered. Good luck!
There is an appeals process at Fordham, and if you have a “competitors” package, they will look at it and consider it. So certainly, give them a call and ask for the paperwork It can’t hurt to try.
I would suggest appealing. Fordham is a very good school and NYC has a lot to offer. It is going to be a whole different experience. However, the overall debt you will be carrying should also be taken into consideration in terms of re-payment.
Our appeal didn’t go so well. I’d love to hear if anyone else faired better…
Sorry to hear about it. I can understand financials are very painful and stressful issue for families. I think given the amount of information a school has gone through to provide FA package, appeal would stand only if there is new information to ponder.
@flute1298 We are waiting appeal as well. Did you get more money or nothing at all? Thanks.
Im waiting for an appeal too @flute1298 and when did you hear back? Do you think I’ll hear before May 1st? I really need it, it’s not just because the school is expensive, it’s because my family is actually in dire need, so the appeal would be great. However, if yours did not go so well, it makes me very worried that I will receive bad news as well!
Curious to hear what others got on appeal? We got $3,000 annual.
@RobertBoxer i got 3.000 dollars, too.
How did you guys hear what you got? Was it through a letter, email, online? I’m curious to see how I will hear! Thanks!
Update: I decided not to appeal in the end. I have a gut feeling Austin is where I’m supposed to be. A public ivy league education for way less than Fordham also seems much more appealing, though I wish I could still go to New York. Maybe later in the future! I believe Austin is a pretty urban area so I think I’ll be pretty content 
Thanks for the input!
@anxnymous congratulations on your decision. Good luck on your future endeavors!