Trouble with Fin Aid =[

<p>Unfortunately, I'm having problems with my fin aid. Today, my package arrived, and much to my dismay, the awards are pretty weak.</p>

<p>I received about 8k and am expected to pay the hefty price of 38k.</p>

<p>According to FAFSA, my efc should be 18k. After talking to my parents, they agreed that the most they could shoulder would probably be 24k.</p>

<p>Does anyone have suggestions as to how I can solve this financial problem?</p>

<p>=[...Swat was my number one school. I was so excited when I received an early write. But now it seems that things are starting to come crashing down. I really did not think that my financial need would be a factor in keeping me from Swat.</p>

<p>Calling the Financial Aid office would be what I'd suggest to you. They are very friendly and will work with you.</p>

<p>I would definitely call the financial aid office. I'm not sure if it's better that you or your parents' call. You might want to have other school's offers to discuss with the financial aid office. Also, I would want to know why Swat and FAFSA reached such different conclusions. Also, something doesn't add up with the numbers you gave. $46,000 is too high unless they are counting transportation or something.</p>

<p>I'm planning to call tomorrow although I'm not so familiar with expenses and such. I filled out my financial aid requests with my father. Both of us were utterly confused, but we struggled through it. </p>

<p>As for the expected educational and living expenses, Swat has listed the following:
$33,232 tuition and fee
$10,300 room and board
= $43,532 ACTUAL COLLEGE CHARGES
$1,048 books and supplies
$1,020 personal expenses
$900 transportation
= $46,500 total educational and living expenses</p>

<p>Hopefully, I can negotiate a better deal once I call. I'm not sure where things went wrong. They're also flying me out next week, so perhaps I can definitely have it straightened out by then.</p>

<p>Don't give up, Lavalita.
I need you on the East Coast.</p>

<p><em>hug</em></p>