Question for alongfortheride and concerneddad:

<p>Will the need based portion of the financial aid package at Tulane remain about the same if income remains the same for Sophomore year? thanks!! My D is trying to make her final decision and this info will help tremendously.</p>

<p>MarylandMom, wow, I'm not really sure, but I think I know what you're asking. Certain schools, like Stanford, are known for drastically reducing need based aid around your junior year - after you're heavily invested in your education there. To be honest, I have not heard of Tulane doing this to upper classmen. Our package for son's sophomore year is the same. However, he only receives the DSA and his un-subsidized Stafford. No grants, work study or other loans. Sorry I could not be more help. Perhaps Rico or another student has heard more from the students themselves.</p>

<p>I recently got back from honors weekend and had an appointment with financial aid. My family's income will be changing from 2004 to 2005, and likely 2005 to 2006 because my dad has to have a major surgery and I won't be working like I have. My family was very concerned that paying for Tulane was not possible because as it is, even with my scholarship and work study and subsidized stafford and perkins, it will be rough because of the number of kids we'll have in school within the next few years. We brought up all these points with the counselor and she told us that your need is re-examined each year and I believe she said it must be reapplied for each year (I could be wrong with that second point, don't hold me to it). Actually, the amount of subsidized stafford you can receive goes up after your freshman year. You are only eligible for a certain amount each year and I know it does increase, but of course, that is a loan. Regardless, I know they look at it each year and I highly doubt they will just drop you. I would call the financial aid office and ask them if you want to know for sure. They've been very helpful with us. Plus, I could be wrong on some of that information.</p>

<p>Thanks along & ballerina:
We went to Honors weekend as well but I did not get the chance to attend the financial aid session although now I see that I should have. D has the DSA as well but also got an additional amount of need based aid made up of work study, sub stafford and a small grant. It will make a difference if this is reduced. I do not anticipate my income going up in any significant way. Right now the package allows us to send her and our % will be equal to our EFC. (I'm not complaining though - in fact we feel very fortunate to have a package like Tulane has provided!!!)</p>

<p>Ballerina is right. It has to be applied for every year. This year, we did not have to do the CSS since no grants are involved, but we did have to do the FAFSA in order for son to get his Stafford.</p>

<p>I attended a Financial Aid session at Engineering Scholar Day (roughly equiv to Honors Weekend) last Friday and altho I don't remember your particular qx being asked, the Fin Aid officer was most helpful. I highly recommend your just calling them with your specific question.</p>

<p>I do believe that one re-applies for fin aid every year at every school, redoing the FAFSA (and maybe the CSS Profile) each time.</p>

<p>MM, sorry I was out of town. Assuming no changes in family income, I have not heard anyone say that Tulane pulls a bait-and-switch</p>