<p>I just checked CAESAR and it says that my financial aid package is 14k grant, 2.5k work study, and 3.5k loan. I am just a little confused as to why I only got this much. </p>
<p>Using numerous calculators including the Collegeboard one that NU links to I got an estimated EFC of 20k, with exaggerated costs, but I am confused as to how NU found that I had only half the need that these calculators said I had.</p>
<p>Is there a way to check how they calculated this?</p>
<p>You can always call the financial aid office and discuss. There is always room to negotiate.</p>
<p>Are they open this week?</p>
<p>No idea. Do try calling them anyway.</p>
<p>IMHO, in comparison with its direct competitors (top-10 to top-15 National Unis) NU is quite stingy with their finaid.</p>
<p>Inpersonal is completely incorrect. NU meets 100% of demonstrated need, and has no-loans pledge for below a certain need, and a loan cap for below a certain need. I’d call them up and talk, but NU is not stingy in anyway.</p>
<p>Based on my experience, NU is a very “by the book” finaid institution, and even has a “policy” of not matching finaid packages from peer schools.
In any event, perhaps Infernalwyrm can post here about his/her experience after talking to the finaid office.</p>
<p>Well after calling the office the people kept trying to tell us that we couldn’t appeal. I believe that the discrepancy between the aid we received and the expected aid was because of one mistake in listed investments and business income calculations.</p>
<p>Basically we kept explaining to the women that we did not have any control over our business income despite what is listed on the profile. Also we put potential business income in the investments part on accident.</p>
<p>It seems ridiculous to me that NU wants my parents to pay nearly half of my parents income before taxes. We asked how they came up with these numbers, but all they said is that they look at all factors in aid. The only factor that I can think of that would increase from calculated EFC is the fact that I am an only child.</p>
<p>Right now my parents are hoping for a good appeal, but I don’t see them giving us much more. Don’t really understand how they can do this and remain competitive with universities that give much more aid like Stanford.</p>
<p>They will still look at the FAFSA, and if you have it corrected on there, then that might fix it. Plus, you still have the later documents that you have to add, and such. So hopefully with the FAFSA and later CSS stuff, they will give you more. </p>
<p>I don’t mean to sound harsh, but it was your family’s mistake that might have caused it a bit, so you can’t really blame them.</p>
<p>I understand that my reduced aid could have been due to the mistake, but even if we actually had business income and investments it is over a third of my income. </p>
<p>How can they shaft middle income students like this by treating them as if they were rich.</p>
<p>These colleges brag about their massive endowments, but they are content to sit on the money instead of helping middle income students.</p>
<p>I also know that this not an isolated incident because it has happened to friends and many on the CC forums.</p>
<p>I and many other middle- to lower-income families have received very fair aid packages from NU. I understand that you’re frustrated with your situation, but try not to make generalizations against the university based on your personal experience.</p>
<p>Sorry if I started bashing the university. I still love Northwestern, but I am just worried that I won’t be able to go without putting myself in considerable debt.</p>
<p>I understand, and that’s certainly a very stressful predicament in which to be. I sincerely wish you all the best in finding a solution.</p>
<p>I’d definitely appeal, and see what happens with the rest of the CSS, and the FAFSA, and such. You never know what could change with the other information.</p>
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<p>Unless you’ve been admitted to Stanford and have a directly comparable aid offer (which I doubt since Stanford has single-choice EA and NU is binding ED) you’re in no real position to make this statement. I know there are people on the Stanford area of CC currently complaining that they have not been offered anywhere near what the Stanford financial aid calculator indicated that they would get.</p>
<p>Btw – I do understand the frustrations of being middle class when it comes to tuition bills, but as others have said I’m not sure it’s fair to point the finger specifically at NU. ;)</p>
<p>We are meticulous with the filing and figures on all paperwork with NU and keep very accurate records and receipts in case we are ever asked.We are just barely over $100,000, but with no assets at all outside of retirement vehicle savings and we are closing in on ages of 60. Certainly we have to pay our EFC (which I thought was realistic and fair for our income.) He is a junior now, and during his sophomore year we had a few unexpected financial hardships with extra travels and $$ to assist ailing mom who died the same year in another town. I explained that under special circumstances and they did adjust a little bit and gave just a little more that year only. I am extremely impressed with how Financial Aid at NU does their job and I have never had a poor communication, and they get back quickly. Our son has actually had his NU Grant turn into the C.V. Starr Academic Scholarship for the last 2 years, so it is now listed as a merit award, based on his GPA at NU. I try to make everything I send them as clear and consistent as possible and easy to “figure out” with evidence available if requested, and letting them know that evidence can be mailed asap if they need it. I am very satisfied with how FA handles things - check over all your forms again, maybe re-submit? if needed, and then I feel confident they have their formula which is pretty fair and realistic in my opinion. Good luck! Northwestern in an amazing and magical place to be - definitely worth it!</p>
<p>t-boneparent,</p>
<p>With your personal experience, you have done a great job of marketing NU financial aid process.</p>
<p>Infernalwyrm,</p>
<p>I am sorry to hear about your situation. </p>
<p>I have never seen FAFSA before. But based on what you wrote, my guess is that NU is unwilling to yield because they are at the adverse side of the information asymmetry. In generally, it’s unlikely that people would overstate, instead of understating, their potential investment income. So any subsequent attempt to lower it would be difficult for them to believe. Other colleges would also be on the same side of the asymmetry and many of them would probably behave similarly. Did you give them records of past investment income that would support your position?</p>
<p>You may want to try Parents Forum for advice. Good luck! In the meantime, try your best to work on your other applications as your Plan B before it gets too late (in the event that the negotiation does not work out).</p>
<p>@t-bone: Would you mind telling me the range of your EFC according to Northwestern. I am in the same situation (no assets) ~100k income… Just lookin to get an approximate number, as I do know there are other significant variables…Thank you !!</p>
<p>I submitted my appeal today and basically just explained to them that we did not actually receive any of the business income that we reported. I also mentioned the mistake in the investments section and parent 2 income.</p>
<p>I also filled out the monthly expenses form, which basically showed them how we are in the red about $400 a month. </p>
<p>I was just wondering if submitting my parents taxes and W2’s is enough to show that we did not receive any business income.</p>