<p>Our EFC is $30K. Is there any way that the price of GW might come out less than that with need-based and/or merit-based aid? Seems like no to me. </p>
<p>The result of the net price calculator for GW was exactly what my son got. The calculator gave him a number and his package was that dollar amount with part being a scholarship and the rest an alumni grant (need based).
We found that the net price calculators at all the schools he applied to and were accepted at, were pretty much on target with what he received (scholarships + need based)</p>
<p>Yes, the NPC’s are extremely useful. But what I mean is, if your EFC is $30K, is there any way to pay less than this? Let’s say for example that my son was their most desirable candidate. Merit scholarship max out (I think) at $20K so that wouldn’t do it. They don’t offer any full ride scholarships as far as I know. </p>
<p>I’m not sure what the scholarships max out at, but if he’s intent on going to GW, he should also look into outside scholarships. Hypothetically, if he puts in a good effort, almost like a part-time job, he could get some $1k’s and they could add up to quite a bit. But he would have to do this every year. </p>
<p>Although GW has fixed tuition, the housing rates go up considerably each year (rates available on the website) so the 30k this year could go to 34k next year and more the next year. DC is very expensive too, and the students spend a lot of time in the city as opposed to other schools in places that are self-contained on a suburban campus, so they need more spending money.</p>
<p>Some tips if he decides to apply:
Apply to some comparable schools (NYU, BU, AU) and when he gets their package, he can negotiate for more from GW if he received a better package at a comparable school.</p>
<p>If his grades/sat’s etc. are on the higher range of admitted students, he should apply for the honors program (this is true for all schools he applies to). Very few who apply get in, about 1 or 2%, but it seems up the merit aid a little bit and only requires another essay (what’s one more at that point). </p>
<p>If the 30k is not doable for your family, you should discuss this honestly with him. Worse than not getting into the school he has his heart set on is to get in and then find out he can’t go because it’s too expensive.</p>
<p>With our son, we told him how much we could pay each year (he has younger siblings so we have to plan for them as well). We also told him that we would not take out any parent loans or home equity-loans and if he decided on a school that would cost more than our contribution, that he could only take out the subsidized loans ($5,500.00 max freshmen year I think). </p>
<p>This gave him some guidelines when looking. He applied and was accepted to some great schools with multiple scholarship offers and some financial aid. He chose G-Dub, it was more than our contribution covered so he took out the loans and will have reasonable debt. He’ll pay about $230/month for 10 years. He also pays for his books and all his spending money comes from his summer job. </p>
<p>It’s important that your son is involved in the decision making on the financial end because at 18 he is/will be an adult and at this point so he needs to make adult decisions based on what’s real for you and your family.</p>
<p>you’ll never pay less, you should always expect to pay 10-15 percent more than anticipated anywhere he goes.</p>
<p>maybe he should look at state schools.</p>
<p>Thank guys! I guess what I am really asking is: what are the largest merit scholarships George Washington gives? Is it $15K? $20K?</p>
<p>Yes - I’ve never heard of a merit scholarship at GW more than $20K. And, if you’re hoping for merit $$ apply regular decision. They don’t seem to give out merit aid for Early Decision (probably because you have already committed to attend!)</p>