Maybe that time is now! Who knows. That’s frustrating that the guidance counselor led you down that path with Lafayette with merit aid. Yes, many private schools offer merit, and Lafayette does as well, but like I said – only to top tier kids – the Marquis. Awards. It’s all spelled out on their website pretty clearly.
@2024prospect “Shocked and appalled” were my words. I never said anyone actually said that. And you’re right, that’s my general observation of what was discussed. And, hmmm… also never said that paying almost 77k (where are you getting 80k?) for Lafayette was a better business decision. I merely find it interesting that everyone karps about the price after the final word is out. It’s better to know the facts before applying. That’s all!
@kbkmc68 - one can only hope the craziness of college costs will finally stop!! Yes it’s frustrating the counselor told us that but I was aware of the scholarship program and how it worked. I do agree the school was very clear about it and did not allude to anything else. I guess you never know what can happen until you apply. I’m not saying my S deserved a merit scholarship but if by some miracle they gave him one he probably would have attended the school. Oh well- it was not meant to be. Now that we know we can move forward with our decision making process. I still consider it an honor that he was accepted and wish all those well that will be attending.
Just spoke to a financial aid counselor at Lafayette. The big difference between Lafayette’s EFC and the FAFSA EFC is that Lafayette takes into account home equity. I understand that Lafayette does not want to fund lifestyle at the expense of education, but that’s still frustrating. They do have a financial aid appeals form, which I’ll be working on this evening. Fingers crossed.
It’s my understanding that Lafayette offers merit in the amount of Full tuition, half tuition, 1/4 tuition & 1/8th Tuition. No one has mentioned receiving anything yet or perhaps I missed it. Perhaps there has been no mention yet because very few people have received their packages as of yet and decisions have not been release via the portal yet.
@kbkmc68 - sorry, $76,826.00 if that makes you feel better than $80K (although I’m fairly certain it’ll be $80k next year). And I don’t know why you keep falsely assuming that nobody knew about the price before applying… Everybody knows the facts!!! People apply and see whether they get accepted, get aid, etc. That doesn’t have anything to do with people making an observation that college prices have gotten completely out of control!
Ha! Yes, that does make me feel better – and I agree, the cost WILL go up next year! And the year after, and the year after… and so on… and yes, college prices are definitely out of control. Not here to argue… just seems to me – my opinion – that people are shocked at the price once they’re faced with the reality of actually paying it. That’s it! Good luck to all!
We are from Long Island, NY as well and the mailman just left. No decision here either. The cost of college is out of control. My DC got into every school applied to. So far. Lafayette is the last one . Didn’t apply to any Ivy’’s because they don’t give any merit whatsoever. Got into schools like Boston College, George Washington and American. BC gave absolutely no money. All the others gave something. We applied to Lafayette because of the possibility of merit. We knew it was a long shot but you never know unless you try. I have already joined the Binghamton parents Facebook group. DC knows that it is a very good school and will be successful if that is where DC lands. We need to save money for grad school.
1 Like
@Overthebar as @kbkmc68 stated the only merit aid at Lafayette is reserved for a very small group of the top top students. Lafayette like many elite small liberal arts college although not giving much in merit money are meeting 100% of need.
Although that is admirable it leaves a donut hole for those of us who although not incredibly wealthy make a good income, own our homes, and followed the adage to save money for our children’s college education. With all those things combined we are full pay. For many of us in that situation (who also need to retire as some point in the not too distant future) It just doesn’t make economic sense to spend 300K in after tax dollars for one child’s college education. Not to mention that if they are pursuing a career that requires graduate school the costs become even more daunting for us as parent or if they have to take loans for graduate school our children.
Both my wife and I graduated from Lafayette but for my D18 and D21 going to Lafayette unfortunately was/is not an option.
Congratulations to all who got accepted and know that whether it is Lafayette or elsewhere you will find the right place for you and will no doubt succeed in college and beyond.
2 Likes
Anyone in New England or MA hear anything? No notifications in Informed Delivery for either a piece of regular mail or a “package”. I think this one is a denial. 
Oh I forgot to mention that in our informed delivery, we did get the message that some mailpieces that we do not have an image for are included in today’s mail- and they turned out to be acceptance packages for both lafayette and lehigh. I hope that helps.
I’m in NJ and got my acceptance packet around an hour ago. I got $30,700 a year in grants, so $43,976/yr. So excited!
Congratulations to all those accepted. For those who got enough merit/financial aid to make this affordable double congratulations. For those who got in but can’t afford it. You will do well regardless. I am reading Fank Buni’s book, Where you go is not who you will be. It’s very good.
1 Like
@dogmom65 Hmmmm. I don’t remember seeing a message anywhere like that, but I wasn’t looking for it. Then DS kicked me out of his email and off the computer! If it was a very obvious message I’m betting it wasn’t there. Not feeling optimistic and he loved Lafayette very much. Thanks for the info, though.
I originally did not have any Ivy’s on DS09’s college list because I felt the same way, that we would not be able to afford it though we are middle class (We make too much but not enough). A teacher encouraged us to apply and we did even though resistant and not very hopeful. He ended up attending Princeton and though they do not give merit their financial aid was one of his best offers. No loans and we were able to pay monthly. I was really surprised.
Received my acceptance packet in CA! I was accepted as a Marquis Fellow, so full ride + study abroad money 
Did anyone who received a package yet have it show up as mail directly from UPS in informed delivery? Or from Austin Texas? Just being optimistic. My mail doesn’t come until 5pm usually though.
mailman just left here in Bronx, NY. no decision, so I am guessing I didn’t get in either way, good luck to you all and congrats if you got in!
@ohwellwhatever CONGRATULATIONS!!!
@user_778999 - Don’t give up yet! Many of us have not received anything yet. Stay positive!