<p>I am an international student who was just accepted at Grinnell College and Grinnell gave me a grant that covers about half of the total costs of attending. Originally this was ok, my dad was willing to pay the rest but now things have changed. </p>
<p>My dad just got remarried and decided that he does not want to pay for college, he says he would rather spend that money on his new family. </p>
<p>My mom works but her salary is not enough to cover my college education and my older brother's education as well (he goes to University of Pennsylvania). She was thinking about asking her bank for a loan, but the interest rates are pretty high (she said that she would ask for it only as a last resource).</p>
<p>Do you guys think Grinnell would be willing to increase my financial aid award? I really need help and I dont know what to do?</p>
<p>They should if you can document your circumstances in sufficient detail. Grinnell does not promise to meet full need to internationals, but if your story is poignant enough they school may be willing to consider it, especially if your father can sign a statement saying that he is unwilling to pay more. However, this is unlikely to yield any major aid awards above and beond any institutional or merit based scholarships that you might have originally overlooked, so you might have to leave Grinnell if it is not affordable.</p>
<p>Have you considered applying for a private loan? Depending your mother’s financial circumstances, you might be able to get a private loan from a credit union. Many of them sponsor college students at interest rates that, while not as good as federal loans (which you cannot take yet), are often more affordable than trying to pay the money out of pocket when you don’t have enough financing.</p>
<p>I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don’t think a parent’s refusal to pay for college is going to increase your financial aid. If that were the case, wouldn’t almost everybody’s parents just say they refuse to contribute?</p>
<p>If you can prove that your circumstances have changed Grinnell College will reconsider your award, if you can prove that you need the money.
However I agree with Dairy State K8 parent’s refusal is probably not enough to get a revised aid package.</p>
<p>I agree with Dairy State too. Schools know that is how parents try to game the system(not saying your are). The schools have to have guidelines that they adhere to. I would go the route of taking out a loan if doable.</p>