<p>@happymomof1: My idea was that while it may be unrealistic to hope for 28K in merit aid, 5,5K is a lot more realistic. That would bee enough to cover the loan and work-study parts of my finaid package. Fortunately, Vassar reduces self-help aid first (loans, work study) so in the hypothetical case, I would only be graduating with the 40K private loan.</p>
<p>@scribbling: Thank you. I think I’ll try that. :-)</p>
Thanks everyone.</p>