<p>The key there is having all work study and student loans offered taken before more grant aid kicks in. By a fifth and sixth year, you have a decent chunk of eligibility and, depending on age/dependency status, it could be quite a significant amount. It is also key that they only attempt to meet need, but that there is no promise it will be met. There isn’t even a promise for systemwide fees after the fourth year, but I have my hopes that they would try to meet this at least for fifth and beyond year students (up until their set “length of eligibility” requirement).</p>
<p>With these new budget cuts coming up, I see a lot of those attempts being foiled so I wouldn’t rely too heavily on a true fifth and beyond year of aid. Priority is going to go to those with promises to meet things like systemwide fees first. I’m counting myself lucky I only have one additional quarter to take past my two years from transfer.</p>
<p>Just saying to take what you were told with a grain of salt :). Things can change pretty drastically in terms of what aid they have available and that’s most likely why they’re very careful not to make any promises. It’s good to hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.</p>