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<blockquote> <p>The finaid offices are generally helpful, but why won't someone just make a firm commitment?>></p> </blockquote>
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<p>Because for need based finaid, there are just too many variables that are out of their control from year to year. For example, DD got need based aid for the upcoming year, but will not qualify for it at all in subsequent years because her brother will no longer be in college. Also, fluctuations in income, inheritances, and other financial windfalls (as mentioned by Simba) are not predictable to the colleges for each student.</p>