<p>My daughter's heart is set on going to Mt.H, but I'm concerned about whether we can afford it (should she get in). Mt.H has a reputation for being supportive when it comes to financial aid, which is reassuring, but I am not sure what that translates into when the family income is squarely middle class. How have others fared with Mt. Holyoke and financial aid? Any words of encouragement?</p>
<p>I understand your concern and hope that all will go well for you. Mount Holyoke does a good job with its financial aid awards. While my daughter's financial aid award from Mount Holyoke was one of the lowest she received, we found that there was little to no hidden cost at the school. You don't have to pay more money for your daughter to get into a better dorm as you do in many other schools. Overall we have been happy with her awards, but should your daughter want to study abroad please investigate how much her living expense truly will be. I hope that Mount Holyoke will review the awards given to those students studying in Europe. But for now try not to worry.</p>
<p>The fin aid offer I received from Holyoke was pretty much impossible to afford for my family, but that might have been a complication due to me applying from abroad. The college I am currently at offered me a fin aid packages with a family contribution less than half of what Holyoke expected...</p>
<p>Thank you both for your responses! </p>
<p>Shiblet, I hadn't thought about hidden costs or thought ahead to study abroad (which is definitely on my daughter's "to do" list). I REALLY appreciate your pointing out both of those considerations.</p>
<p>b@rium, it appears that you went to Bryn Mawr. My daughter is considering that school as well. I'm reading between the lines that their financial aid package was more family friendly. All the more reason to encourage her to apply around and compare.</p>
<p>Again, thank you both!</p>
<p>b@r!um, I'm an international too. I'm aiming for MHC, and am too very concerned about my finances getting in the way of my application. I'm applying to Bay Path, Chatham, Hollins & Carlow, as they are much smaller. Can I get some advice from you about what colleges you applied to and what colleges disappoined you financially, etc?</p>