<p>I couldn't believe it...my family income last year was less than 20k, and UC expected me to contribute 30k towards next years tuition (and take my for it, we definitely do not have 500k hidden in accounts etc.). ***????? Should I appeal? Does it work in most cases? Our FAFSA application resulted in the expected contribution of around 4000. Is it because I didn't send in this year's 1040s and W-2s?</p>
<p>If there is no way in the world you can afford it, you should bug them like crazy. I mean, what do you have to lose?</p>
<p>Call them Monday morning, first thing.</p>
<p>EDIT:</p>
<p>Of course, when I say "bug them" I don't mean be a nuisance. But be persistent!</p>
<p>oh schnike, dont tell me that man!</p>
<p>asiaknight
unless your family owns a business or a lot of property, it sounds like an error. You or a parent should discuss this with finaid.</p>
<p>^We own a business. The problem is, last year, our profit was about -20k, and the income was not much higher.</p>
<p>Profit doesn't determine your assets, so that probably did it.</p>
<p>The institutional methodology used to calculate need is not especially kind to business owners. Still, a call is in order.</p>
<p>I didnt receive my financial aid decision when I received my acceptanc? Anyone else?</p>
<p>No one did. It comes in a seperate mailing.</p>
<p>Has anyone seen a date for this separate mailing?</p>
<p>Is the mailing date the same for EA as for regular acceptances?</p>
<p>When it comes to fin aid, assets can be a real killer. I knew of one family three years ago that received nada from top schools, even though the family income was under 50K. Why? Because they owned a house worth about a mil. Didn't matter that they couldn't get a home equity loan etc. with those numbers.</p>
<p>The variant, however, is that FAFSA amount projected was $4000. FAFSA is usually a pretty goof indicator, not typically off by $26,000, but it does happen. When you call, mention the discrepancy.</p>