Low-Income Applicant Worried About Financial Aid

<p>I've heard rumours from both online and in real life about NYU's dreadful financial aid. Considering they have a pretty low endowment (~$2bln) for over 40k students, I was wondering how anyone except the upper class could afford the notorious student loans. I checked their Net Price Calculator, and according to the site I'm supposed to only receive ~$30k in financial aid (out of ~$60k tuition per year) and require ~$20k+ in student loans per year. In most other universities, I've calculated I would pay little to none in tuition since my family income's <$30k a year after taxes. Anyone who's a current or former student have advice? Will I just have to take whatever little money they give me if I'm accepted?</p>

<p>Keep in mind that the cost of NYU is edging towards $70K a year–so that means that you will need to come up with at least $40K a year if they actually give you $30k in aid. That is far too much money in loans to take on even if your parents could qualify for them. If it’s your dream school and you have stats that are on the high end for NYU, apply and see what they come up with in aid. But I would not go if it means taking out loans like that.</p>