<p>Hello,
So I've received financial aid packages from a few colleges and I was wondering how it is so that these awarded amounts are estimates? Are they really subject to change?
Thank you!</p>
<p>I don’t think the awards are estimates. I think the COA might be (for instance books might be listed as $1200 and you might buy used and just spend $800_</p>
<p>Without seeing them, they might be subject to your family’s actual 2009 tax filing, with the award going up or down depending on the change from the estimate. Just a guess.</p>
<p>Above answers sound right. </p>
<p>And, perhaps if the new school year’s COA rises (which it likely will), there could be an adjustment it the school meets need.</p>
<p>Also, there is a possibility that any state grants will change through new budgets/legislation…</p>
<p>“And, perhaps if the new school year’s COA rises (which it likely will), there could be an adjustment it the school meets need.”</p>
<p>Well, maybe on paper in an accounting sense, but there shouldn’t be any practical change due to list price COA changes at meet-full-need schools. For a student receiving full need financial aid, list price is irrelevant. At gapping schools there could be a difference.</p>