Will accepting college offer before seeing FAFSA aid package hurt our financial aid with 19k SAI?

Omg I'm in this EXACT sitation with my son! He got into 2 private schools, both want deposits but no aid packages yet. So frustrating! Our SAI is similar (21k) and I'm stressed about making decisions without knowing what we'll pay. Following this thread for advice...

you should call financial aid office directly and explain situation. most schools will work with u if ur upfront

Financial aid counselor here - I can help clarify this. Most private colleges determine their institutional aid packages INDEPENDENTLY from your enrollment decision. Your SAI of 19k is mostly relevant for federal aid determination (Pell Grant eligibility, subsidized loans, etc.), but private schools use their own formulas for institutional grants and scholarships. That said, putting down a deposit before receiving aid information is risky. Here's what I recommend: 1. Call the financial aid office directly and request an estimated aid package before the deposit deadline 2. Ask for a deposit deadline extension specifically due to financial aid timing 3. Request a formal statement that your aid package won't be affected by paying a deposit Many schools WILL work with you on this, especially if your student is someone they really want to enroll. It's definitely worth advocating for yourself here.

THIS IS A COMMON TACTIC they use!!! My daughter went through this last year. They WANT you committed before telling you the real cost hoping you'll just figure out how to pay whatever they decide. Our school did the same thing and then gave us WAY less aid than similar colleges that showed us packages earlier. They know once your kid is emotionally attached and you've paid $$ deposit most parents will just take out more loans. DON'T FALL FOR IT!!!

Went thru this with my oldest 2 yrs ago. It's nerve-wracking! Call the fin aid office tomorrow. With a 19k SAI you should qualify for some aid but privat schools have different formulas. Sometimes they'll give u unofficial estimates if u ask nicely

I work in college admissions (not financial aid specifically) and wanted to share that most colleges separate their admissions and financial aid processes pretty strictly. The deposit shouldn't impact your aid package - those are calculated based on financial formulas. However, what the others are saying about asking for extension is good advice. Most schools have a May 1 deadline as a standard, but we grant extensions all the time for exactly this reason. Just be polite but firm when you call - explain that you're very interested but cannot commit financially without seeing the numbers.

If you're having trouble getting through to the financial aid office (which is extremely common this time of year), I've had good results using Claimyr. It's a service that gets you through to an actual person at busy call centers like financial aid offices without the endless hold times. Saved me hours when I was dealing with my daughter's aid package issues. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo video: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Regarding your actual question - with a $19k SAI, you should definitely wait to see their offer before committing. Private colleges often have their own institutional aid that can significantly reduce costs, but it varies dramatically between schools.

Just wondering - has anyone here successfully negotiated their aid package AFTER committing? Like if we do end up paying deposits but then get disappointing aid packages?

Update: I finally got through to the financial aid office! They agreed to give me an unofficial estimate by the end of this week (still 5 days before deposit deadline) AND said they'd consider an extension if the estimate doesn't come through on time. The counselor also confirmed that making a deposit doesn't impact aid calculations at their school - she said those numbers are already determined based on our financial information. Feeling much better now!

i paid a deposit last year and then still negotiatied aid when the package came. showed them better offers from other schools and they matched! dont be afraid to ask for more $$$