<p>So long as you can concretely prove that you cannot pay the expected contribution + whatever else, then they will release you (e.g. if the amount they expect you to pay is like outrageously high or you have other things, such as medical bills, etc. that they failed to include).</p>
<p>However, you can also ask them to review your financial aid package in terms of other factors. They’ll generally work with you, but if all else fails and you can’t pay the money, they will release you from the binding decision.</p>