Should I appeal my FA?

Paying for College
1

I applied to transfer to one school this year (USC) and I got in. Financial aid package came in this morning… $0.

It’s $70,000 a year to attend, and that’s a little less than half my family’s annual income. They can’t possibly expect us to pay half our income for college, right?! My Dad needs a new car, I still have to pay for therapy, and I’m getting a bunch of medical treatments later this year.

Should I appeal? Do I even have a chance after I appeal? What should I put on my appeal?

2

Not enough information.

  1. When you say $70,000 is a little less than half your family income...is that their after or before tax income?
  2. USC uses the Profile in addition to the fafsa to determine need based aid awards. Did you put anything in the section about "other things to consider" about your medical bills, etc on this form?
  3. In addition to income, your assets are also considered. This would include savings, investments, real estate equity, etc.
  4. Did your parents contribute to tax deferred retirement accounts? Did you add those contributions back as income...because the schools do. For example, if your parent incime is $140,000 and they each contributed $20,000 in 2015 to a tax deferred retirement plan...their income would really be $160,000.
  5. Home equity? Do you have any? USC does use some in their calculation.
  6. College savings for you and siblings? Any 529 accounts?
  7. What about you...the student? Any savings?
  8. Are the medical expenses unreimbursed medical expenses? Anything covered by insurance would not matter to the school.
  9. The new car...doesn't matter at all...so just put that out of your head.
  10. Are your parents self employed?
3

Did you try the NPC before applying to the school? Are you expecting any financial aid?

4

The net price calculator is set for incoming freshmen. This is a transfer student.

5

The simple answer is that yes, USC expects you to be full pay. There are cheaper alternatives available.

6

You might as well, but schools are usually stringy with financial aid to transfers. I wouldn’t get my hopes up.

7

USC is a very expensive school, as you’ve seen, and they tend to focus their dollars on high stats freshman, National merit winners, athletes, URMs and anyone else they need to round out their campus.

If you are a transfer, and you aren’t a “star tuba player” or an “Olympian”, they expect you to pay $72K per year. Contact their financial aid office and let them know about any NEW financial debts you have. You can submit your info, but you shouldn’t expect much. Let them know if you were/are a CalGrant recipient.

How did you plan on paying USC fees before you applied? Did you not know they were $72K per year? There is a reason for those fee lists, they expect students to pay those costs.

8

If you have good reasons for appealing, that were not part of your initial FA application, then go ahead and appeal. Otherwise, don’t waste your time nor theirs.