<p>So I found out I made a top tier school today... and then I saw my financial aid package. I'm expected to pay $42,000 a year; considering my fafsa efc is about half that number I'm both confused and upset. This is my dream school, but I won't be able to pay for it without some serious cash. Is there anything I can do? Barter maybe? Maybe they made a mistake?</p>
<p>It seems the amount available in grants is greatly reduced these days. My son is attending a state school. Our EFC is less than $3,000. His financial aid package had $1,900 grants, no work study, and $12,000 of loans. After reading so many similar situations on here, I guess I was braced for this type of scenario. Thankfully he's already received two scholarships and is a finalist for at least two more. We're hoping that will help fill in some of the gap.</p>
<p>yeah...similarly...i got into an ivy but i need 15k/year somehow beyond what my parents can pay...so yeah...is that remotely doable? or should i start gearing up for my cheaper choice?</p>
<p>Yup, son is in same boat. Accepted to 2 Ivies, waitlisted to 3 more, but we've told him that we simply can't afford to borrow to cover the amount they mistakenly think we can pay. The EFC is completely unrealistic for us, probably because we live in a high cost of living area with inflated real estate values.</p>
<p>I tried to post a general "misery loves company" thread for other kids who must turn down an Ivy offer because of finances. My son feels awful, and around here we know no one would ever do such a thing. Don't know where my post ended up, though.</p>