International student accepted to both Grinnell College and Brandeis. I sent the exact same documents to both (CSS Profile and Certification of Finances) indicating i could contribute 25k a year meaning i would require about 35k. Grinnell gave me a finaid package of 22k (much less than the demonstrated need) but still 22k. While Brandeis told me my financial situation did not require any aid.
How can, i assume finaid experts, at one college decide that a person needs 22k a year while those at another look at exact same information and decide he needs no aid at all?
Contact Brandeis and ASK! You have every right to ask them to explain their calculations.
Is the $22,000 from Grinnell all need based aid?
I doubt that Brandeis determined that you did not require any aid. What they probably determined is that they were not able to offer you the aid that you need. There’s a big difference between the two.
Brandeis says they meet full need. But I don’t believe this is any longer for all students. I would contact them.
Each school may still determine your need differently even IF they are need met.
OP is an international. I don’t think that Brandeis meets full need for all international admits.
From the Brandeis website. They do meet full need.
The question to the OP…did you submit all of the supporting documents that Brandeis requires for financial aid consideration?
One school may consider certain assets that the other does not.
Think the breakdown of the 22k is 15k international grant 4k merit scholarship and 3k international loan
yes @thumper i did submit all the required materials
Also @billcsho i understand but should there really be that big a gulf.
Thanks for the replies everyone
I hate to ask this…but what is your family income in US dollars?
It is very possible that Brandeis does not give the grants, merit award, and international loans that appear in the other packages.
@thumper it is around 50k a year
I do think you need to contact Brandeis ASAP. Something isn’t right.