I received my financial award notice from IU a few months ago, and it states, “After subtracting all aid eligibility, including self-help options, we estimate that you’ll need to have an additional $33,720 to attend IU for 2017-18 academic year.”
In total, they gave me $14,420 in aid. So I called the financial aid office, and I asked if I could receive more aid, and the lady told me that my mom and I can apply for a loan, and if were denied, then IU can give me an additional $4,000. So, my mom and I applied for the loan, but we were denied, and instead of IU adding to my financial aid, they raised my tuition from $48,140 to $48,920. I know that may not seem like a huge difference to you, but I really can’t afford this school. So if IU can’t give me more aid, then how do I “decline” my acceptance?
If your parent is denied a parent plus loan, then the student is permitted to borrow an additional $4,000 themselves. However, the school has to be told that you want to do that - did you tell them this AFTER your mother was denied? The school would not know you want to borrow the additional amount otherwise.
I’m not sure why the total amount went up, but it’s possible the earlier amount ($48,140) was based on an estimate, and $48,920 is based on actual charges. Many schools don’t finalized tuition/fee amounts until the summer for the subsequent academic year.
In any event, it sounds like this school is not an affordable option. To decline your acceptance, you need to contact the school as soon as possiblel. They will probably be closed Monday and Tuesday for the holiday.
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So, my mom and I applied for the loan, but we were denied, and instead of IU adding to my financial aid, they raised my tuition from $48,140 to $48,920. I know that may not seem like a huge difference to you, but I really can’t afford this school. So if IU can’t give me more aid, then how do I “decline” my acceptance? *I’m scheduled for orientation in 2 weeks.
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You’re OOS. IU isn’t going to give you more aid.
The increase in tuition was due to the school determining the year’s tuition.
Not sure why you let things go this far; this school was never going to be affordable to you.
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My parents dont want me to go out of state, not that she wouldn’t support my decision if i chose to, but she would prefer i stay close. The thing is, they dont have anything to do with my college. I plan on getting merit scholarships and a job to pay for it so I really don’t need them. Personally I dont like them that much so i want to get far away
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You wrote the above a year ago and people warned you about unaffordable OOS costs. Then in the spring you admitted that IU wasn’t affordable, yet you’re still enrolled and scheduled for orientation?
There is no tuition fairy.
Why are you ignoring the realities of your situation?
Either way, this student has known for awhile that IU wasn’t affordable and that his outside merit wasn’t enough. Wondering why he’s at this point now, in July. I wish students wouldn’t say that they have enough money (a year ago) when they don’t because it becomes a garbage in, garbage out situation of advice.
Sounds like he still has the George Mason opportunity, which is affordable.
I personally know a young person (a premed) who is at GMU and really likes it, so everyone isn’t old or hating it. The student needs to visit again with an open mind. Frankly, he needs to do that otherwise what options are left? Community college, maybe?
@mom2collegekids why are you so negative? First of all, I am not a guy, and secondly, you don’t know my situation, so keep your pessimistic comments to yourself. I was able to afford IU until my family went through a financial crisis last week. So please, stop responding to my threads. I don’t need your negativity. This world doesn’t need more Debbie downers.
Once you post a question on a public forum, you do not get to dictate who responds. Please maintain a level of civility especially if someone is trying to assist you
Things change and sometimes you have to change with them. Sounds like you can no longer afford this school this year. You should let them know you can’t afford it, and maybe they will refund any amounts you’ve paid. You can ask for a deferral for a year if you think the financial situation will be fixed. You can see if a local school or CC has open enrollment or space still available. You can take a gap year and reapply to school for 2018.
Op- you need to document the recent financial setbacks. Whether it’s a job loss, natural disaster/property loss, medical need- get your documentation in order. None of us know whether you will get more aid, but don’t chew up time after you speak with financial aid- get your paperwork in a row now and be prepared to fax over any forms or papers that the financial aid officer asks to see.
Please post consistent information so that folks can give you accurate advice.
Yesterday you posted that your family just had a new financial setback just LAST WEEK that suddenly caused very expensive OOS IU to become unaffordable:
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I was able to afford IU until my family went through a financial crisis last week.
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You posted the below in April…
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I applied to George Mason University and I got in, but I can’t afford the enrollment and housing deposits
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Can you understand why things aren’t making any sense. I’m not pointing these inconsistencies out to be mean. I want you to deal with the actual situation so that you can make good decisions on how to proceed. A family who could pay for OOS IU up until the “financial crisis of last week” would have been able to pay a few hundred bucks in enrollment fees last April.
Let’s just deal with the real situation, not wishful thinking. It sounds like your family cannot afford to pay much for college. Maybe scholarships that you were hoping for didn’t pan out.
How much will George mason cost you? What is your major and career goal? Doesn’t VA have strong CCs with good articulation agreements?
I realize that much of this is frustrating because you had your heart set on IU and you probably have told all your friends that you’re going, so suddenly staying instate and going local may be a difficult pill to swallow.