How good is the FA in your experience?

<p>I put my parents' tax information in their NPC before the summer, which estimated the total cost for me to be about 12K/year, which was a VERY generous number. Fast forward to now, I leave that same information on the NPC and run the numbers again. This time, it said 34K/year. Anyone know what's up? How was it in your experience? (P.S. my family makes about 90K/year, so 34K is OUT OF THE QUESTION, and I REALLY hope it's not that because I was SOOO looking forward to applying to Haverford because it's almost the perfect fit for me).</p>

<p>I’m not sure, but I think I heard that Haverford may be cutting back on their FA.</p>

<p>Haverford is considering re-introducing loans as part of the FA package for the classes of 2019 and beyond. This September’s entering class (2018) would not be affected by this change of policy. Currently Haverford’s policy is to cover all calculated need with grants and work-study, no loans. They have not indicated any other changes in FA policy, especially for the next entering class, that I know of.</p>

<p>Generally speaking Haverford’s FA is good if you are seeking need-based aid. Haverford gives no merit aid. As for your calculation I am inclined to believe that something changed in your input between this now and previously. 34K EFC is very high for a 90K family income unless family assets are unusually high. I suggest you scrutinize your numbers and try again.</p>

<p>Edit: Some further notes after experimenting with the NPC.
– It looks like the total cost of attendance has increased about $2,000 since last year. That can account for some difference.
– Using modest figures for assets and home value and simplified assumptions for other figures I was able to get a net cost of 22K, 20K after work-study.
– If your parents own a business, that’s a different ball game.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help.</p>

<p>I did not change anything since I input the numbers, directly from my parents’ 1040s, into the calculators from last year, so NOTHING should have changed.</p>

<p>My parents own no businesses, nor do they have outstanding assets. Almost every other school comparable to Haverford in rank calculated between 10K-16K for my family. I just don’t understand why Haverford would shoot the number up for me. Maybe it’s a mistake, but I’m almost certain that there’s something wrong and I really hope Haverford is still as generous as how I first perceived it.</p>