<p>i am thinking of applying to columbia university under early decision. But i am unsure if i would recieve the financial package that i want. if anyone can please give me an estimate of how much i would have to contribute, it would be very helpful. my family income is about $80,000. thank you</p>
<p>If there is any possibility that you will need to compare financial aid packages before deciding which college you will attend, DO NOT apply anywhere under early decision.</p>
<p>For a rough estimate of what your family would be expected to contribute, you can run your family's financial information through the FAFSA and Profile calculators at FinAid</a>! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans Have your parents sit down before they read the figure for the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and expect some yelling after they do read it.</p>
<p>FinAid</a> | Answering Your Questions | No Loans for Low Income Students read here what it says about Columbia. Remember though, they will look at more than just income, assets and possibly home equity will/maybe taken into account</p>
<p>Columbia</a> University Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid and Educational Financing</p>
<p>Columbia has excellent FA -- and no loans for anyone. Unless your parents have stated that they will not pay a dime for you to attend, I think you can confidently apply to Columbia ED. Your package will be generous and will have no loans. </p>
<p>Depending on assets -- your parents may be expected to $5000+. Use several EFC calculators (make sure the info you put in is accurate) and talk with your parents about their expected contribution. Whether you attend Columbia or a state school, your parents will be expected to contribute money, so now is the time to discuss that issue with them.</p>
<p>You can do a dry run with calculators and see what you can expect. Do keep in mind that it is a true pain in the neck and can adversely affect entry to other schools if you back out of ED, even for the legitimate reason of not enough aid. I would not apply ED if I needed FA for that reason. You don't know what you may get from other schools that offer merit in aid packages which Columbia does not. There have been many families surprised at the differences among schools in terms of definition of need.</p>