Is UCSB's financial aid incorrect?

@thumper1 I emailed them twice and both times they said to use the net price calculator. I called them today and they said that they don’t hand out updated award letters, so I’m not sure what to do anymore?? What should I say when I call them

That is so strange that they would say they don’t do financial aid appeals but if they stick by that, there really isn’t anything I can think of that you can do. Unfortunately, however unfair,it is the financial aid office’s final decision.

@Syrxis @thumper1 Okay, so I tried using the net price calculator again but this time excluding the assets my mom gained from life insurance. She has around $138,000 and it told me that my coa would be $15k. Shouldn’t I appeal for special circumstances since that was for a death benefit/life insurance that shouldn’t be factored? Before my dad passed away, they had around $5k in their checking accounts. This DRASTICALLY alters my aid. My mom received the insurance of $330k and used up the rest to $130k on the mortgage which she will be using the rest for monthly payments/food/etc (NONE will be going towards me). UCSB does do appeals, but I meant that they don’t update their award letters regardless of the corrections on FAFSA unless you SIR, then they give you an official award letter.

You keep adding new info on this thread. When you go to the financial aid office, please give them the WHOLE story from the get go.

Ask about a special circumstances consideration. These are NOT guaranteed. Some colleges don’t do them at all. The ones that do…are on a case by case basis. See what the process is.

But understand…you won’t probably have an answer in 4 days. Ask to speak to the financial aid officer. The person answering the phone isn’t going to be able to help you… might even be a student.

What is wrong with the other two UCs that gave you sufficient aid?

ETA before your dad passed away you also likely had higher income. Now you have that life insurance money. Some schools will exclude that because it’s a one that time event.

Does your mom work?

I thought that your mom’s income alone was $90k (plus savings)…how could your EFC be that low? Do you have siblings in college??

@mom2collegekids it was actually $81k for the income. There’s 3 people in the household. My sister is 28.

@thumper1 well, I visited the other UC’s and it looked incredibly dead. I want to go to a college where I’m not lacking both academically and socially since I’m paying quite some money to attend. Yes my mom works.


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There's 3 people in the household. >>>>

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You should not have counted your sister as a member of the household. She is too old and she has a job. You need to change your FAFSA to reflect two in the household.

@mom2collegekids I will. One quick question though, if my mom supports more than 50%, wouldn’t I still list her as part of the household even if she isn’t a dependant?

Your sister is TOO OLD to be considered a dependent for tax purposes, I believe. Unless she is disabled…and if she is…be prepared to document that.

Does you sister work…at all?