@InigoMontoya . We are exactly in the category you describe as in solid shape with no Merit and no financial aid offered. My daughter received great offers from other schools but we haven’t moved on yet because Villanova is her number one . Hard to think of paying the full price tag at 60K+ though…
Similar situation for us. Villanova is S top choice and getting no merit or financial aid. Received great offers from other schools both with merit and honors college acceptances. Hard to pay full price and give up all that $. Tough situation.
EFC isn’t really relevant. That’s a federal figure. The school uses its own methodology for determining aid, with the CSS providing a much more thorough financial picture. And the aid letter we received two years ago was straight forward. There was only mention of Parent Plus in supplemental literature. Everything was clearly spelled out.
Sounds like Villanova changed their offer letters since D’s three years ago. I went and pulled it out (yes I save this stuff) and I still think it was difficult in comparison to others she received and my son received. The parent contribution was line-itemed in a way no other school did. Glad to hear it’s different now - if I recall this was around the time frame Senator Franken started talking about standardizing aid awards because some were so confusing - that didn’t pass but did cause some schools to revisit presentation, Maybe Nova was one.
I will say when we visited campus they were very clear that they don’t meet need. So it wasn’t surprising when they expected us to pay $50k/year on top of student loans. Since every other offer D had was less than half that amount, and Villanova was way outside the budget we set, it wasn’t too painful for her to cut them loose.
@dtrain1027 By next spring my S will have spent the last 4 years of his life at a Jesuit high school willingly and happily fulfilling hours of service…giving and doing for others, as they say. Its sad that I already know they wont be giving back to him when he will need it most. I hope it doesn’t change his perspective on giving.
STEM2017, service by a high school student is commendable for many reasons, but I would bet that 90 % of Villanova applicants have a demonstrated record of service. If Villanova discounted tuition for all of these applicants, there would be much less $ for faculty, residence hall improvements, and programing which enhances the educational experience.
Financial aid at Villanova is, for the most part, a function of need, not a reward for strong academics or good works. If you are looking for substantial merit aid (independent of your family finances) try Fordham, Providence, Fairfield, etc.