What The JHU Possible Aid Estimator Says

<p>The JHU</a> Possible Aid Estimator estimates that a family of 3 with a parental annual income of $145,000 can contribute $38,461 of the parental income to the student's education annually. Would you agree or disagree with this assessment?</p>

<p>Igellar, I agree with the "can" . However, depending on the family and its particular situation, it may be a "no". Also, even if the family can, the question would be whether they should, given other family priorities. The $145K for that year might have just come about recently with prior years of financial hardships and debts. There could be looming situations that make it unwise to spend that much for college--a parent with potential illness, a job that is shaky, a house that needs major repair, a close relative who is going to need to be helped or supported, any number of things. On the other hand, the $145 with grandparents willing to help, an inheritance possible, good retirement plan, house close to paid off in good repair. Secure job. Excellent health and insurance can make it a good risk. Also assets are a big issue here. It truly depends, and the financial estimators do not take into account a lot of these issues.</p>

<p>I guess that means JHU won't give any real aid and the rest of the $45,000 or whatever it is comes from student work and loans?</p>

<p>I don't agree with the "can" but I know that is what most private colleges expect, so my kids are going to state schools unless they get into HYP.</p>

<p>We make less than 1/2 of that amount and paid approx. $25K last year. No, we did not take out any loans.</p>

<p>It definitely can be done.</p>

<p>Your post asks whether it's reasonable to expect $38k from parental income of $145k.</p>

<p>The EFC estimates how much the family can afford not just from parental income, but from savings, current income, and debt.</p>

<p>The expectation is that a family with an annual income of $145k to have socked away a considerable amount in college savings. If not, then that same family has an ability to pay off the debt over time.</p>

<p>The last time I checked, JHU was one of the schools that factors in home equity into the EFC equation. So between home equity and relatively high parental income, the ability is there to pay off the expense over time.</p>