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Let me suggest that you approach the discussion from the standpoint that they do not HAVE to contribute anything. They have already contributed hundreds of thousands in raising you to this point....there is no entitlement.
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<p>I really do not want to step on anyone's toes, but I think that that statement ignores the reality of the RESPONSIBILITIES of financial aid. The primary responsible parties for the cost of an undergraduate education are the parents.</p>
<p>Camelia is not seeking for an entitlement, she has actually done everything she could to reduce the financial responsibilities of her parents. In fact, she is burdened by the size of the PARENTAL EFC, which is a synonym for Expected FAMILY Contribution. She is obviously going well beyond the amount that could be attributed to HER self-help. Were she able to be an independent student for financial aid purposes, her contributions would be almost nil. So, where is the ... entitlement? All I see is someone who has done a truly amazing job to assume responsibilities that are NOT hers, and is now willing to assume an amount of debt that will take years to repay. </p>
<p>So, it is not appropriate to start this discussion with "from the standpoint that they do not HAVE to contribute anything." The correct, even if it is totally unrealistic in Camelia's situation, is that the PARENTS are responsible for THEIR EFC. Asking parents to assume a portion of their responsibilities is far from a misguided entitlement or an ... allowance. </p>
<p>The outcome for Camelia and her family might all be the same, but the "rules" of financial aid of dependents students are pretty clear, and so are the responsibilities of providing an education. A determination of the ability to pay was made, and the amount does not necessarily matches the willingness to pay. Adding an element of guilt to Camelia's bags of worries seems to be an unwarranted and unjustifiable burden. </p>
<p>PS Camelia, do not forget the travel expenses.</p>