Returning students - financial aid

[Granny_Weatherwax]

Has anyone received next year's package yet?  We've received DD's but are still waiting for DS's.  

 

We were concerned about DD as she is a super senior and we weren't sure her scholarships would last one more year.  She had an interview a couple weeks ago with the benefactor for one of the scholarships she has been receiving.  That scholarship was actually increased for super senior year.  Thank goodness.  Her loans went up and our EFC went up a bit but, overall, her scholarships/aid remained within the ballpark of what we needed.  This is a relief.  We were anticipating the loss of all scholarships for her fifth year.

 

We haven't heard anything from DS's school. I am a bit anxious about DS's outside scholarships (esp the big one) because he never received any info about renewal and I'm afraid he missed something in the paperwork from last year. 

 

We're also waiting to hear if DGD is going to receive any aid for preschool.  

 

Lots of waiting going on here before we can make any concrete plans.  

Edited June 4, 2016 by ScoutermominIL

[elegantlion]

We got our information last week. I'll have to take out less loans and ds is running numbers to see if he should take the loan offered to him. They don't have our tuition costs for fall up yet, that would make it easier than doing it manually. 

 

[FaithManor]

Nothing yet. But ds knows he got an English Department scholarship which is so nice. Tuition numbers look like they aren't going to go up much at all. Some of the state schools were given some new funding from the state in exchange for not upping tuition and fees this year so our contribution will be able to go down a little bit. Yay for us! However, we haven't had the package yet so the actual numbers are still fuzzy.

[Ravin]

DH may not be able to register for classes in fall because he's run up on loan limits.

[FaithManor]

DH may not be able to register for classes in fall because he's run up on loan limits.

Ouch! Sorry to hear that.

[MerryAtHope]

We've heard on grants, but not on a scholarship. I actually thought we would have heard by now, as it seems later than last year...

[G5052]

Yes, I got excited because there was a letter today. It was "just" for the President's List.

 

I definitely remember hearing before Memorial Day last year, but it's not looking like it that will happen unless the letters are already done. They close at noon on Fridays after graduation until August 1st.

[Pegasus]

We are lucky if the aid is fully processed before the bill is due.  Our aid is state scholarships and they are SLOW.  The school has relaxed their "pay by this date or all your classes will be dropped" stance for those who are waiting on the state money.  I call each time to confirm just to be sure.  With the Tennessee Promise, if you pay the bill out of pocket, you do NOT get reimbursed when the funding come in!

[Crimson Wife]

DH may not be able to register for classes in fall because he's run up on loan limits.

 

Have you tried appealing? When my DH appealed his grad school package, the FinAid office increased both his grants and his loan limits.

[Crimson Wife]

My 2nd bachelor's program made the decision at the end of April and I just got my notice this week from the community college where I'm doing a certificate. I'm not eligible for anything but loans at either school (not a surprise) but I had to fill out the FAFSA in order to be considered for scholarships. So far I haven't gotten any of those (chances were slim but they'd have been zero if I hadn't bothered to apply).

[G5052]

FWIW, I was getting nervous. It's June 1st, and last year the awards were made in mid-May. Not a word.

 

So I had DS email the financial aid lady for his campus. They're horribly behind because of a new system. The current goal is that academic scholarships will be awarded by late June. Payment is due by July 15th, but that may slip.

 

Oh well. We're OK, but I really wanted to know what the second-year expenses were going to be. Not going to happen soon.

Edited June 2, 2016 by G5052

[bugs]

We received the whole package a couple of weeks ago.  With another child going into college, my dd actually received grant aid at her private university. And my son received a bit from his public university.

[Granny_Weatherwax]

FWIW, I was getting nervous. It's June 1st, and last year the awards were made in mid-May. Not a word.

 

So I had DS email the financial aid lady for his campus. They're horribly behind because of a new system. The current goal is that academic scholarships will be awarded by late June. Payment is due by July 15th, but that may slip.

 

Oh well. We're OK, but I really wanted to know what the second-year expenses were going to be. Not going to happen soon.

I checked DS's school's website.  From what I gather, the school processes applications by date received. Notification can take as long as July 1.  First payment is also due in July.  I am anxious about it.  With our increase in EFC for DD and the financial state of IL and more lay offs and cut backs looming for the next school year, well, let's just say I am having bad dreams and am losing sleep over not knowing.  I like to be able to plan or at least think about the possibilities.

[hopskipjump]

I have nothing useful to add (since my oldest is a senior this year...) - but every. single. time. I log on and see this title pop up on the list, I read it as "returning student-financial-aid," and think "Why? Why would anyone return free money?" :lol:  Then, I remember that I've read this thread and its valid contents and re-read the title and it reads entirely differently "Returning-student financial-aid"!

 

But - seriously - every time I read it, I read it the other way. lol

 

Good luck - the thought of waiting this long for that kind of vital information turns my stomach. :mellow:

[Tsuga]

DH may not be able to register for classes in fall because he's run up on loan limits.

 

D:

 

That's... a lot of loans.

 

I am very sorry. Is he near graduation? There may be special programs to get him through.

[Granny_Weatherwax]

I have nothing useful to add (since my oldest is a senior this year...) - but every. single. time. I log on and see this title pop up on the list, I read it as "returning student-financial-aid," and think "Why? Why would anyone return free money?" :lol:  Then, I remember that I've read this thread and its valid contents and re-read the title and it reads entirely differently "Returning-student financial-aid"!

 

But - seriously - every time I read it, I read it the other way. lol

 

Good luck - the thought of waiting this long for that kind of vital information turns my stomach. :mellow:

Fixed it for you.   :D

[JanetC]

Fixed it for you. :D

I saw you updated and was hoping it was good news. Still holding my breath with you.

[BlsdMama]

DD has hers - it was all very good news. :)

 

On the other hand, I do not have mine.  Here's to hoping a returning "older" student who carried a 3.9 last year and has a family size of 13 warrants merit or need based aid, yeah?  

Switching from CC to the University this spring and thinking I'm too late to look for specialty scholarships for women returning to college.  :/  Blech for not thinking ahead.

 

ETA: They tell me I should have an award letter some time next week.  Fingers crossed.  

Edited June 5, 2016 by BlsdMama

[creekland]

I guess this reminds me that we should sign on and take a look at what our guys have.  

 

Nah, not today.  It's Sunday.  I'll look tomorrow - or Tuesday...

 

Middle son's should be no surprise.  His tuition is free this year due to the Take Five program he's in and his room is free due to continuing to be an RA.  That means we'll have to pay for food, health insurance, and whatever is required in fees - not much comparatively.

 

Youngest?  We'll see.  I guess it depends on if they care how much we're (not) paying for middle son.  At least I know his merit aid will continue as he tells me he has a 3.05 (his merit aid only needs a 2.0).

 

If I recall correctly, payments for both are due in August.

 

Best wishes to all who are waiting and/or appealing!

[Granny_Weatherwax]

Ugh!!!  We are still waiting to hear from DS's school.  This is getting ridiculous.  The school's financial aid portal says DS's application was accepted as complete in March.

 

Is anyone else still waiting for next year's package?  

[MerryAtHope]

Ugh!!!  We are still waiting to hear from DS's school.  This is getting ridiculous.  The school's financial aid portal says DS's application was accepted as complete in March.

 

Is anyone else still waiting for next year's package?  

 

Have you called the financial aid office? We still haven't heard for sure on one scholarship (I think something happened to the head of the committee), but have heard on the rest. 

[G5052]

Have you called the financial aid office? We still haven't heard for sure on one scholarship (I think something happened to the head of the committee), but have heard on the rest. 

 

Still waiting. They're saying early next week?

 

They haven't even set a payment date yet (usually mid-July).

[G5052]

Still waiting. They're saying early next week?

 

They haven't even set a payment date yet (usually mid-July).

 

This is getting crazy. Now they're saying third week of July for financial aid. I called because we have to move $$$ this month, and I need to know soon.

 

DD is taking one class at a neighboring, much larger college that will be transferred in because his school doesn't offer it. And they want payment by a week from Friday, or they cancel his schedule. I guess we'll pay that and keep waiting, waiting.

[Granny_Weatherwax]

G5052 - I hope you hear soon.

 

We received DS's package on Friday.

 

I had been hesitant about calling the FA office as I am always unsure when and how parental contact is appropriate. I relented on Tuesday, called, and left a message. I don't think that had any influence on when we received our package but at least I felt like I was being proactive.

 

I am happy to say that DS's school met our need again this year. His aid was increased to match our drop in income. DH and I are quite relieved. One of DS's outside scholarships has been applied to his account as well so that's another relief. 

[G5052]

And now it's the last week of July with tuition due August 3rd, but she also said that they don't have near as many merit scholarships as they did in 2016-2017. This school does year-to-year awards. She said not to give up yet.

 

I guess I'd better plan on paying more this year. Still in-state tuition, thankfully.

[G5052]

Hooray! Email at 5pm today.

 

He got double what he got in 2015-2016 in a merit award. We have to revisit his schedule because he needs 12 hours at his home campus, but it's worth it.

 

They said to pay Wednesday or later, so at least that's set now.

[Granny_Weatherwax]

Hooray! Email at 5pm today.

 

He got double what he got in 2015-2016 in a merit award. We have to revisit his schedule because he needs 12 hours at his home campus, but it's worth it.

 

They said to pay Wednesday or later, so at least that's set now.

Yay!!! :hurray:  :hurray:  :hurray:

 

Isn't it wonderful??

[G5052]

Yay!!! :hurray:  :hurray:  :hurray:

 

Isn't it wonderful??

 

It is. DH is retiring in December, and our finances are going to change of course. We're OK, but this gives me a little wiggle room.

Edited July 23, 2016 by G5052

[JanetC]

 

He got double what he got in 2015-2016 in a merit award. We have to revisit his schedule because he needs 12 hours at his home campus, but it's worth it.

 

Congratulations!

 

[Granny_Weatherwax]

Ugh, I really don't like playing this game.

 

We just received DS's fin. aid/scholarship notification for next year. He retained the scholarships but not enough of the need based aid. Our EFC is more than we can afford. We knew it was going to be a crap shoot with DD's graduation.   :(   It's too late for him to transfer and receive any aid from local schools. Our state is in dismal financial circumstances and what few transfer scholarships are available are long gone. 

 

I guess I can write an appeal and see if they will increase his grant. He doesn't even know yet. I woke up early and found the notification in my email.

Edited June 16, 2017 by Scoutermom

[elegantlion]

Yeah, my financial aid numbers were down from last year too. I'm not happy about having to take out more loans for my final year of school than I did for the previous two, especially considering my stats and references are really good. I hastily applied for one outside scholarship with a June 15th deadline. I hope to hear soon, so I can deal with this angst. 

 

 

(hugs) to those dealing with this issue. 

[creekland]

Adding  :grouphug: and best wishes on scholarships/appeals for all.

[Frances]

Sorry about the bad news Scoutermom, here's hoping the appeal works. It seems ridiculous you have to wait so long for news that it's basically too late to find alternatives.

[MerryAtHope]

I'm sorry. Hoping the appeal works. I agree that this seems on the late side for them to inform you. That's a really tough break when you are working so hard to line everything up for your student.

[Granny_Weatherwax]

It's been a rough couple of days. DS and I had a frank conversation about the package. My heart breaks for him. He worked so hard to get straight A's this semester and was thrilled that he pulled it off.  We downloaded the appeal paperwork and have begun filling it in. It's 6 pages long and I need to have copies of tax forms, bills, etc. Ugh.

 

There is one other possibility that I am cautious about. A PT position is opening up at the local LAC that is a niche position. I fit the niche. This position is just opening up and I am the first to learn about it. I'm going to apply and, if I can get it, the salary will be almost exactly what we need to cover DS's tuition. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but I am going to apply and give it a try.

[creekland]

It's been a rough couple of days. DS and I had a frank conversation about the package. My heart breaks for him. He worked so hard to get straight A's this semester and was thrilled that he pulled it off.  We downloaded the appeal paperwork and have begun filling it in. It's 6 pages long and I need to have copies of tax forms, bills, etc. Ugh.

 

There is one other possibility that I am cautious about. A PT position is opening up at the local LAC that is a niche position. I fit the niche. This position is just opening up and I am the first to learn about it. I'm going to apply and, if I can get it, the salary will be almost exactly what we need to cover DS's tuition. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but I am going to apply and give it a try.

 

Hoping one or the other works for you.  I wish colleges awarded more merit aid to students who did well in previous years.  They can be quick to take it away from those who don't do well, so shouldn't the reverse be true?

[J-rap]

We only finished our taxes last week, and are filing our FAFSA application now.  We're hoping for good news!

[Frances]

It's been a rough couple of days. DS and I had a frank conversation about the package. My heart breaks for him. He worked so hard to get straight A's this semester and was thrilled that he pulled it off. We downloaded the appeal paperwork and have begun filling it in. It's 6 pages long and I need to have copies of tax forms, bills, etc. Ugh.

 

There is one other possibility that I am cautious about. A PT position is opening up at the local LAC that is a niche position. I fit the niche. This position is just opening up and I am the first to learn about it. I'm going to apply and, if I can get it, the salary will be almost exactly what we need to cover DS's tuition. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but I am going to apply and give it a try.

I hope the job comes through for you! It sounds like a perfect solution.

[teachermom2834]

I cannot believe that it is a regular practice to not inform returning students of FA awards until summer. I know it is (ds for his in early May) but it seems so very wrong.

 

I was anxious about ours but it was to the penny identical to last year.

 

Sorry you are going through this OP. I understand how FA works and I understand you had a change in circumstance but the timing of the notification feels so wrong. :(

[Granny_Weatherwax]

While we wait for the appeal, I have applied for two jobs and we've listed DS's car for sale. He doesn't take it to school anyway so it won't be a great loss. We've listed every possible way we can cut corners from an already tight budget. With the sale of the car our car insurance will be reduced. We'll be getting rid of cable; we only had basic to begin with so it won't be a big deal nor will it be a big savings.  We'll sign up for the longest payment plan the school offers to reduce the payments.

We were hoping to replace a vehicle this year but have put that on hold. Our main vehicle is a 2001 Ford and it's rusting along the doors (we have to be careful not to scrape it with our feet) and in the bed. Both of our vehicles have over 150,000 miles and we hope and pray they will make it two more years.

 

Heck, we have a beautiful oak tree in our yard that would bring in a couple thousand if we harvest it. Yes, we actually discussed that as a possibility. I don't think we'll do it since we all love that tree.

 

[Frances]

I really hope one of the jobs comes through and the appeal is successful. I'm thinking of you and your family during this stressful time.

[*LC]

Elagantlion & Scoutermom,

 

I hope you hear good news regarding the appeal & scholarship applications soon.

[elegantlion]

Elagantlion & Scoutermom,

 

I hope you hear good news regarding the appeal & scholarship applications soon.

 

Thanks, I'm supposed to hear back from the one scholarship by mid month and I have an interview for another in-house scholarship later this month too. I'd be happy to get rid of the unsub loan at least. 

[Hoggirl]

So sad for OP and others experiencing this. Hoping for good outcomes for all.

[Granny_Weatherwax]

Here's a good news - bad news update.

 

Bad news - The appeal didn't work. We would need a drastic reduction in income in order to receive more money. It was worth a shot anyway. DS accepted all of the loans he was offered. He went from being loan free to having thousands of dollars in loans.

 

Good news - I applied for the niche position and have made it through the first round interviews and will have an all day interview this week. Literally, all day. I'll be there from 9-5 and meet with various department heads, etc. I'm trying to be realistic about my chances of being offered the position but I think I would love this job. I think I would be happy (which means a lot). If you are so inclined, please think of me on Tuesday. I'm a bit anxious about what to wear(lots of walking from building to building in 100 degree temps) and how to do my hair (OMG, the humidity; it looks more professional straight but it won't stay straight from 9-5, esp with the humidity). Should I get a manicure? Most of my nails are just past active length but a couple have broken doing yardwork this week. Are flats okay since we'll be walking so much? Do you think white capris with a flowing blouse and flats would be appropriate? I could do a black pencil skirt with the same blouse and flats. We are all waiting with baited breath to see what happens. This job has the potential to change our lives; not dramatically but it will mean we could breathe and have some money for savings and tuition and a new front door. This would be my second FT job and I am so ready.

[creekland]

Sorry about the appeal, and my thoughts/prayers will definitely be with you on Tuesday!

 

I'd wear flats.  I'd want to be comfortable walking, but then again, that's always me.  I never wear heels more than half an inch or so - even with being short.  I'm not one who thinks ladies look good just because they're wearing heels... and if one knows they are going to be walking, well, my mind says it's more important to be comfortable walking.

 

Can't comment on the rest.  I'm fashion challenged.  However, I'd do my best to try to fit in.

[madteaparty]

Here's a good news - bad news update.

 

Bad news - The appeal didn't work. We would need a drastic reduction in income in order to receive more money. It was worth a shot anyway. DS accepted all of the loans he was offered. He went from being loan free to having thousands of dollars in loans.

 

Good news - I applied for the niche position and have made it through the first round interviews and will have an all day interview this week. Literally, all day. I'll be there from 9-5 and meet with various department heads, etc. I'm trying to be realistic about my chances of being offered the position but I think I would love this job. I think I would be happy (which means a lot). If you are so inclined, please think of me on Tuesday. I'm a bit anxious about what to wear(lots of walking from building to building in 100 degree temps) and how to do my hair (OMG, the humidity; it looks more professional straight but it won't stay straight from 9-5, esp with the humidity). Should I get a manicure? Most of my nails are just past active length but a couple have broken doing yardwork this week. Are flats okay since we'll be walking so much? Do you think white capris with a flowing blouse and flats would be appropriate? I could do a black pencil skirt with the same blouse and flats. We are all waiting with baited breath to see what happens. This job has the potential to change our lives; not dramatically but it will mean we could breathe and have some money for savings and tuition and a new front door. This would be my second FT job and I am so ready.

Pencil skirt and wedge peeptoes is my vote. I'd get the mani, if not now, when?

Will think of you!

Edited July 23, 2017 by madteaparty

[Frances]

I'm no help in the fashion department, but best of luck on Tuesday!! I know you'll do great!

[Granny_Weatherwax]

Pencil skirt and wedge peeptoes is my vote. I'd get the mani, if not now, when?

Will think of you!

I don't have wedge peeptoes (I had to Google them to find out what they were) but I may have a sandal that might work. I'll go look in the back of my closet. I usually wear tennis (for tennis) shoes, hiking boots, Chacos, or water shoes.  In reality, I'm barefoot most of the time. There is a good possibility that at some time on Tuesday I will want to take my shoes off. A feeling I hope to fight off.  :D

[Hoggirl]

Hope it works out for you!

 

I would not wear capris. Do you have flats that's aren't sandals? Like a little ballet flat? I'm not sure what kind of job this is, but sandals are rather casual to me. JMO.