How to choose college based on financial aid packages after getting SAI score?

Congrats on the acceptances! Yes, each college will offer you different financial aid packages based on your SAI, their available funding, and their own financial aid formulas. Most schools send their aid packages shortly after acceptance, but timing varies by institution. You should definitely wait until you have ALL financial aid offers before making a decision. May 1st is the standard commitment deadline for most schools, so you have time. Compare the packages side by side, looking at: - Grants vs loans (grants don't need repayment) - Merit scholarships (these are separate from need-based aid) - Work-study opportunities - The total out-of-pocket cost after all aid is applied Don't hesitate to contact financial aid offices if you have questions about your package!

i was in the same boat last yr!!! each scool gives totally difft amounts its CRAZY. my state school gave me like nothing but this private college gave me so much $$ it was actually cheaper than the state school lol. deff wait for all the offers dont rush.

Let me give you a proper timeline so you understand how this works: 1. You completed FAFSA and received your SAI (Student Aid Index) number 2. Colleges you applied to will use this SAI to determine your need-based aid package 3. Each college creates their own unique financial aid package based on: - Your demonstrated need (using the SAI) - Their available institutional funds - Any merit scholarships you qualify for - State grants you're eligible for You should receive financial aid award letters from each college that accepted you, typically within 1-4 weeks of acceptance. Some schools are faster than others. The standard deadline to commit to a college is May 1st, so you have until then to compare all packages and decide. NEVER commit to a school until you understand the complete financial picture. If you're confused by any award letter, call that school's financial aid office directly. They can explain exactly what they're offering and why.

Yes, you absolutely can negotiate! It's called a "financial aid appeal" or sometimes "professional judgment review." Here's how: 1. Wait until you have ALL award letters 2. Identify your preferred school(s) where aid was insufficient 3. Contact their financial aid office to ask about their appeal process 4. Submit a formal letter explaining why you need additional assistance 5. Include documentation of any special circumstances 6. You can also respectfully mention better offers from comparable schools Many colleges have some flexibility in their aid packages, especially if you can document financial hardship or have competing offers from similar institutions.

THE FEDERAL SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!!! I have 3 kids in college and FAFSA is a NIGHTMARE every year. They expect middle class families to pay ridiculous amounts while the ultra-rich hide their assets and the poor get everything covered. The whole system is designed to FORCE families into massive debt. My daughter's SAI was calculated completely wrong because they counted our retirement savings as disposable income!!!!!

If you're having trouble getting through to the financial aid office at any of your schools or to Federal Student Aid to ask questions about your SAI, I highly recommend using Claimyr. I was on hold for HOURS trying to reach someone at FSA last month, but Claimyr got me through in under 15 minutes. They basically hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. Saved me so much frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and you can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Just sharing because this FAFSA season has been especially chaotic with all the new changes.

when i was applying for colleges my parents just told me to pick wherever i wanted to go and they'd figure out the money later. now im $120k in debt for an english degree lol don't be like me!!!

One important thing nobody mentioned yet: pay close attention to the TYPES of aid in each package. Some colleges include large federal loans in their "aid package" to make it look generous, but loans aren't really aid - you have to pay them back with interest! Break down each offer into these categories: 1. FREE money (grants, scholarships) 2. Work-study (you have to work for this money) 3. Loans (you must repay these) Then calculate your true out-of-pocket cost by subtracting ONLY the free money from the total cost of attendance. Some schools might offer less total "aid" but more of it could be free money, making them the better financial choice.

Correct - an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan is definitely NOT free money! That's a loan that starts accruing interest immediately, even while you're still in school. Schools often include both subsidized and unsubsidized loans in their "financial aid package" which can be misleading. Here's a quick breakdown: - Grants/Scholarships: Free money, never repaid - Subsidized loans: You repay later, but no interest while in school - Unsubsidized loans: You repay later WITH interest that starts accumulating immediately - Parent PLUS loans: Your parents take on debt (often at higher interest rates) Some schools will present a package that "covers 100% of need" but includes $20K+ in loans. Always look at the breakdown!

Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'm going to wait for all my aid packages to arrive, then make a detailed spreadsheet comparing the TRUE costs after free aid. I'll also look into appealing if my top choice doesn't offer enough. I appreciate knowing that May 1st is the standard deadline, so I have time to make a careful decision. This has been so much clearer than what my high school counselor told us!