So, I’ve been accepted to Interlochen Center for the Arts (a private school) for my junior and senior years. We just received financial aid, $48,000 (having to pay $14,600 each year, most people have to pay 20,000+)
But we still can’t afford it. I come from a low-income/poverty-stricken area, where money is very hard to come by. Every year our school struggles to raise money for prom, and even the police department struggles for money for basic things (like cars that work). Interlochen suggests community fundraising, but most of the community I live in can’t pay for their child’s lunch (over half of children are on free or reduced lunch, including me).
Also, it doesn’t help that my mom is still in student debt (and is currently working on her second degree) without the best paying job. If we did the ten-month plan, my parents would have to pay 1/4 - 1/3 of their pay each month (after taxes it would be 25-33%). This is unreasonable, and asking them to get a loan would be unrealistic and unfair of me to ask. There is also several travel expenses (about 5 per year b/c you have to leave on breaks), a REQUIRED Macbook, expensive uniforms (est: 60-100 per uniform), school supplies, and various other little expenses listed in their fee structure.
We have sent an email explaining this and asking for an appeal. To be quite honest, expecting full or close to full financial aid was stupid of me, and knowing my family’s poorness I knew I probably should not have gotten my hopes up, but I’m still disappointed.
Yes, it is unreasonable for your parents to pay 1/4 of their income each month.
You have appealed, so let’s see what they say. But the fact that they offered you $48K is very generous. Unfortunately the reality will be that if Interlochen remains financially unaffordable, you will need a Plan B. It’s just like if one cannot afford a Porsche, one can get a Honda. Nobody is owed the former, and the latter will still get you to where you want to go. Good luck.
Also, offer to work more in the Summer and pitch in. Even an extra $1,000-2,000 coming from a young kid will showcase you want to go there. Ask about having a part time job at the school to offset things. Maybe you can help in the office or cafeteria or library.
@SailwiththeMAST Go and find some info at “Go Fund Me.” If you are desperate to grab this opportunity, bring up a creative idea for yourself and people there and then do some public fundraising for mutual interests. If you have any talents, use them wisely. If any initiatives, move and act quickly!
I am curious what % of the monthly income would be considered reasonable?
I actually pay one entire 2 week paycheck for DD’s tuition, room, and board. So it is roughly 25% of our income. I find it reasonable. I know what the alternative is, and to me, that cost is worth it for this educational opportunity. We have made a lot of sacrifices for DD to be at her school, and I cannot imagine we are the only parents to make similar changes.
I suppose it depends on the income. If you earn $100k and are expected to pay 25% of it for prep school, you have $75k left. A family who earns $50k would have $37k left. Whether or not that’s reasonable depends on how large the family is, where they live, and what other obligations they have (elder Care costs, etc.).
ATM, our parents make 3-4k a month (my mom’s job isn’t fixed, but based on how many units she works a week) that would leave less than 1.6-2.6k a month for four people.
My mother also has PTSD, which lands her occasionally lands her in the hospital. This summer before we knew it was PTSD, we thought it was epilepsy and had some expensive test done to see how it could be fixed. So add some medical bills, on top of her student debt.
Perhaps list the student debt and expensive medical bills, send to Interlochen to see if they might be able to reconsider.
(And do work on the Milton Hershey school application if you’re eligible, which I think you may be).
So one that I know that works in FA told me that medical bills weigh heavily in FA decisions. Make sure you let them know about everything you spend on medical bills including time off, medication and any other bills.
I am 1.5 months too old to apply for Milton.(I turned 16 in February), I ask my mom to mention medical bills and student loans to them. Thank you are all the advice!
@SailwiththeMAST : Appeal, but give a target number other than 100% full ride.
Could & would your family pay $7,300 per year (half of what Interlochen expected your family to pay) ?
If not, then $6,000 ? This is how to negotiate.
Offer to take on a work study type job at the school. Show the school that you want to be there & that you value the opportunity & that you are willing to work in order to pay part of the tuition.
Remember: Interlochen probably awarded you a full tuition scholarship/grant & reasons that your family is saving money by feeding & housing one less person for 9 months.
Share your concerns, medical bills & worries, and expected travel expenses.
Also, it is not your family’s responsibility to pay for private arts school. This is a blessing. Show the school that you are willing to work for the opportunity to study there. And then do it !