Are people secretive about their FA status at your private school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have begun to absolutely hate these threads. Even as a private school parent, my head isn't so far up my own ass to recognize that what we offer our kids is truly and wonderfully a luxury good. Every poster here, who so earnestly paint a picture of how they sacrifice to pay tuition or how honestly their "need" is for a private school education. It's all BS. I don't begrudge you FA, if you want to be at my school and figure out a way to do it, good for you! But please, be honest with yourself. It's a luxury good and someone is helping you pay for it.

My read on most of the kids on FA in my kids school is that they are solidly middle class, two income families who have opted out of generally good public schools based on the availability of FA. If you want to find schools really attempting to help those most abandoned by failing public schools, you need to look at the charters. Privates are not helping many kids east of the river. They are helping the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI. Not passing judgement, but let's be realistic about who is receiving the FA.

No disagreement with that. My question is, what's wrong with that? Private schools benefit from admitting and giving FA to solidly middle class, two family incomes. I don't know that the goal of a private school is, or has ever been, to help those most abandoned by failing public schools. I mean clearly wealthy people who send their kids to private school aren't fleeing failing public schools. The goal of most private schools that offer FA is to create a diverse learning environment. That diversity is accomplished by admitting kids of wealthy parents, kids of middle class parent and kids of lower income parents. Everyone admits that anyone who is solidly middle class more than likely cannot afford a $40K school. So the only way to attract those families is to provide some FA. It's not a full ride. Are people really gripping over someone getting 30% financial aid??? I'm not saying you are, I'm just saying in general. Perhaps what we need to move away from is this notion that the purpose of financial aid is to provide a chance for poor people...yeah, no the purpose is to make it affordable for anyone who can't afford to pay the full sticker price and that includes the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI.

I think this is fine theoretically, but as someone who is just a tiny bit better off (maybe) than some of the people who get FA and who lives below her means in terms of home, etc., I really balk at donating to the financial aid fund. I used to be more generous but then met people who lived in nicer homes thaN I do and who were open about getting FA. On the other hand, I do give money to support a child who is close to homeless who is going to a church related boarding school (not the secular day school my children go to).

I understand your frustration, and I think ultimately it comes down to what we all value. Personally I don't have an issue with donating to both. However, I have run across people who even balk at the idea of donating to someone who is from a poor family because they blame the family for being poor (i.e., why haven't they done better for themselves?). In the end, I think people who can afford to be the big donors probably don't really care who the money is being given to. It's those who also consider themselves who are middle class who are offended and those who just don't like FA period.

FA is kind of like taxes - whether you donate of are 'just' full pay, you know it's coming out of your bill somehow. Seeing it used appropriately and honestly is just part of the system and you accept that. Seeing it wasted or someone cheating is quite disappointing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have begun to absolutely hate these threads. Even as a private school parent, my head isn't so far up my own ass to recognize that what we offer our kids is truly and wonderfully a luxury good. Every poster here, who so earnestly paint a picture of how they sacrifice to pay tuition or how honestly their "need" is for a private school education. It's all BS. I don't begrudge you FA, if you want to be at my school and figure out a way to do it, good for you! But please, be honest with yourself. It's a luxury good and someone is helping you pay for it.

My read on most of the kids on FA in my kids school is that they are solidly middle class, two income families who have opted out of generally good public schools based on the availability of FA. If you want to find schools really attempting to help those most abandoned by failing public schools, you need to look at the charters. Privates are not helping many kids east of the river. They are helping the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI. Not passing judgement, but let's be realistic about who is receiving the FA.

No disagreement with that. My question is, what's wrong with that? Private schools benefit from admitting and giving FA to solidly middle class, two family incomes. I don't know that the goal of a private school is, or has ever been, to help those most abandoned by failing public schools. I mean clearly wealthy people who send their kids to private school aren't fleeing failing public schools. The goal of most private schools that offer FA is to create a diverse learning environment. That diversity is accomplished by admitting kids of wealthy parents, kids of middle class parent and kids of lower income parents. Everyone admits that anyone who is solidly middle class more than likely cannot afford a $40K school. So the only way to attract those families is to provide some FA. It's not a full ride. Are people really gripping over someone getting 30% financial aid??? I'm not saying you are, I'm just saying in general. Perhaps what we need to move away from is this notion that the purpose of financial aid is to provide a chance for poor people...yeah, no the purpose is to make it affordable for anyone who can't afford to pay the full sticker price and that includes the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI.

I think this is fine theoretically, but as someone who is just a tiny bit better off (maybe) than some of the people who get FA and who lives below her means in terms of home, etc., I really balk at donating to the financial aid fund. I used to be more generous but then met people who lived in nicer homes thaN I do and who were open about getting FA. On the other hand, I do give money to support a child who is close to homeless who is going to a church related boarding school (not the secular day school my children go to).

I understand your frustration, and I think ultimately it comes down to what we all value. Personally I don't have an issue with donating to both. However, I have run across people who even balk at the idea of donating to someone who is from a poor family because they blame the family for being poor (i.e., why haven't they done better for themselves?). In the end, I think people who can afford to be the big donors probably don't really care who the money is being given to. It's those who also consider themselves who are middle class who are offended and those who just don't like FA period.

FA is kind of like taxes - whether you donate of are 'just' full pay, you know it's coming out of your bill somehow. Seeing it used appropriately and honestly is just part of the system and you accept that. Seeing it wasted or someone cheating is quite disappointing.

I guess the question is what is "appropriate and honestly?" In reading all of the threads on FA it sounds like that differs based on who you are talking to. Of course, if someone is lying about their income that's a different story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have begun to absolutely hate these threads. Even as a private school parent, my head isn't so far up my own ass to recognize that what we offer our kids is truly and wonderfully a luxury good. Every poster here, who so earnestly paint a picture of how they sacrifice to pay tuition or how honestly their "need" is for a private school education. It's all BS. I don't begrudge you FA, if you want to be at my school and figure out a way to do it, good for you! But please, be honest with yourself. It's a luxury good and someone is helping you pay for it.

My read on most of the kids on FA in my kids school is that they are solidly middle class, two income families who have opted out of generally good public schools based on the availability of FA. If you want to find schools really attempting to help those most abandoned by failing public schools, you need to look at the charters. Privates are not helping many kids east of the river. They are helping the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI. Not passing judgement, but let's be realistic about who is receiving the FA.

No disagreement with that. My question is, what's wrong with that? Private schools benefit from admitting and giving FA to solidly middle class, two family incomes. I don't know that the goal of a private school is, or has ever been, to help those most abandoned by failing public schools. I mean clearly wealthy people who send their kids to private school aren't fleeing failing public schools. The goal of most private schools that offer FA is to create a diverse learning environment. That diversity is accomplished by admitting kids of wealthy parents, kids of middle class parent and kids of lower income parents. Everyone admits that anyone who is solidly middle class more than likely cannot afford a $40K school. So the only way to attract those families is to provide some FA. It's not a full ride. Are people really gripping over someone getting 30% financial aid??? I'm not saying you are, I'm just saying in general. Perhaps what we need to move away from is this notion that the purpose of financial aid is to provide a chance for poor people...yeah, no the purpose is to make it affordable for anyone who can't afford to pay the full sticker price and that includes the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI.

I think this is fine theoretically, but as someone who is just a tiny bit better off (maybe) than some of the people who get FA and who lives below her means in terms of home, etc., I really balk at donating to the financial aid fund. I used to be more generous but then met people who lived in nicer homes thaN I do and who were open about getting FA. On the other hand, I do give money to support a child who is close to homeless who is going to a church related boarding school (not the secular day school my children go to).

I understand your frustration, and I think ultimately it comes down to what we all value. Personally I don't have an issue with donating to both. However, I have run across people who even balk at the idea of donating to someone who is from a poor family because they blame the family for being poor (i.e., why haven't they done better for themselves?). In the end, I think people who can afford to be the big donors probably don't really care who the money is being given to. It's those who also consider themselves who are middle class who are offended and those who just don't like FA period.

FA is kind of like taxes - whether you donate of are 'just' full pay, you know it's coming out of your bill somehow. Seeing it used appropriately and honestly is just part of the system and you accept that. Seeing it wasted or someone cheating is quite disappointing.

I guess the question is what is "appropriate and honestly?" In reading all of the threads on FA it sounds like that differs based on who you are talking to. Of course, if someone is lying about their income that's a different story.

Lying is fraud - that is an easy one. I'm hoping that in the FA process there is some leveling that occurs that says similarly situated students are getting similar aid. My bet is that at the lower end of the income scale this is true, since presumably everyone in that group would apply. It's the upper middle class aid where I think you could get some really unfair outcomes - like Family A has HHI of 250K and applies, and Family B has HHI of 250K and would not dream of applying. Not sure how to address that.

[Anonymous]

The problem with FA is that it is not a merit based scholarship, as some of the PP have implied. It's price discrimination. Because the family with an EQUALLY SMART AND TALENTED kid who can pay full freight, will be expected pay full freight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem with FA is that it is not a merit based scholarship, as some of the PP have implied. It's price discrimination. Because the family with an EQUALLY SMART AND TALENTED kid who can pay full freight, will be expected pay full freight.

Where is the problem? If you are well off and have a smart kid, pay the tuition! Why wouldn't you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have begun to absolutely hate these threads. Even as a private school parent, my head isn't so far up my own ass to recognize that what we offer our kids is truly and wonderfully a luxury good. Every poster here, who so earnestly paint a picture of how they sacrifice to pay tuition or how honestly their "need" is for a private school education. It's all BS. I don't begrudge you FA, if you want to be at my school and figure out a way to do it, good for you! But please, be honest with yourself. It's a luxury good and someone is helping you pay for it.

My read on most of the kids on FA in my kids school is that they are solidly middle class, two income families who have opted out of generally good public schools based on the availability of FA. If you want to find schools really attempting to help those most abandoned by failing public schools, you need to look at the charters. Privates are not helping many kids east of the river. They are helping the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI. Not passing judgement, but let's be realistic about who is receiving the FA.

No disagreement with that. My question is, what's wrong with that? Private schools benefit from admitting and giving FA to solidly middle class, two family incomes. I don't know that the goal of a private school is, or has ever been, to help those most abandoned by failing public schools. I mean clearly wealthy people who send their kids to private school aren't fleeing failing public schools. The goal of most private schools that offer FA is to create a diverse learning environment. That diversity is accomplished by admitting kids of wealthy parents, kids of middle class parent and kids of lower income parents. Everyone admits that anyone who is solidly middle class more than likely cannot afford a $40K school. So the only way to attract those families is to provide some FA. It's not a full ride. Are people really gripping over someone getting 30% financial aid??? I'm not saying you are, I'm just saying in general. Perhaps what we need to move away from is this notion that the purpose of financial aid is to provide a chance for poor people...yeah, no the purpose is to make it affordable for anyone who can't afford to pay the full sticker price and that includes the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI.

I think this is fine theoretically, but as someone who is just a tiny bit better off (maybe) than some of the people who get FA and who lives below her means in terms of home, etc., I really balk at donating to the financial aid fund. I used to be more generous but then met people who lived in nicer homes thaN I do and who were open about getting FA. On the other hand, I do give money to support a child who is close to homeless who is going to a church related boarding school (not the secular day school my children go to).

I understand your frustration, and I think ultimately it comes down to what we all value. Personally I don't have an issue with donating to both. However, I have run across people who even balk at the idea of donating to someone who is from a poor family because they blame the family for being poor (i.e., why haven't they done better for themselves?). In the end, I think people who can afford to be the big donors probably don't really care who the money is being given to. It's those who also consider themselves who are middle class who are offended and those who just don't like FA period.

FA is kind of like taxes - whether you donate of are 'just' full pay, you know it's coming out of your bill somehow. Seeing it used appropriately and honestly is just part of the system and you accept that. Seeing it wasted or someone cheating is quite disappointing.

I guess the question is what is "appropriate and honestly?" In reading all of the threads on FA it sounds like that differs based on who you are talking to. Of course, if someone is lying about their income that's a different story.

Lying is fraud - that is an easy one. I'm hoping that in the FA process there is some leveling that occurs that says similarly situated students are getting similar aid. My bet is that at the lower end of the income scale this is true, since presumably everyone in that group would apply. It's the upper middle class aid where I think you could get some really unfair outcomes - like Family A has HHI of 250K and applies, and Family B has HHI of 250K and would not dream of applying. Not sure how to address that.

If family B chooses not to apply, then the consequence of that is that they don't get FA. I don't see how it becomes the schools responsibility to make sure anyone who might qualify for FA applies. The schools tell you FA is available and how to apply. The rest is incumbent on the parents. Also, what you might perceive as similarly situated might in fact not be. Family A may have high student loan debt and Family B does not. Family A might have high medical expenses debt and family B does not. Family A might be helping support an elderly parent on who is on a fixed incomes. My point is what might appear to be the same, in fact, not the same at all when you start digging into people's finances and expenses. Of course
I don't mean that someone should be able to incur irresponsible debt loving lavishly and then qualify for FA. But if a family has incurred thousands of dollars of medical expenses treating a medical condition, yes that should be considered and weighted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem with FA is that it is not a merit based scholarship, as some of the PP have implied. It's price discrimination. Because the family with an EQUALLY SMART AND TALENTED kid who can pay full freight, will be expected pay full freight.

There is no such thing as price discrimination. Some schools do offer merit aid and some only offer need based aid. How is that any different than college? College isn't a requirement. It too can be said to be a luxury item. Anyone who can pay full freight is expected to do so. In my experience every single person I know how has received or is receiving FA would gladly pay the full tuition of they could. Are there some cheating the system? Maybe. But that's not the case for the majority of families on FA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have begun to absolutely hate these threads. Even as a private school parent, my head isn't so far up my own ass to recognize that what we offer our kids is truly and wonderfully a luxury good. Every poster here, who so earnestly paint a picture of how they sacrifice to pay tuition or how honestly their "need" is for a private school education. It's all BS. I don't begrudge you FA, if you want to be at my school and figure out a way to do it, good for you! But please, be honest with yourself. It's a luxury good and someone is helping you pay for it.

My read on most of the kids on FA in my kids school is that they are solidly middle class, two income families who have opted out of generally good public schools based on the availability of FA. If you want to find schools really attempting to help those most abandoned by failing public schools, you need to look at the charters. Privates are not helping many kids east of the river. They are helping the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI. Not passing judgement, but let's be realistic about who is receiving the FA.

No disagreement with that. My question is, what's wrong with that? Private schools benefit from admitting and giving FA to solidly middle class, two family incomes. I don't know that the goal of a private school is, or has ever been, to help those most abandoned by failing public schools. I mean clearly wealthy people who send their kids to private school aren't fleeing failing public schools. The goal of most private schools that offer FA is to create a diverse learning environment. That diversity is accomplished by admitting kids of wealthy parents, kids of middle class parent and kids of lower income parents. Everyone admits that anyone who is solidly middle class more than likely cannot afford a $40K school. So the only way to attract those families is to provide some FA. It's not a full ride. Are people really gripping over someone getting 30% financial aid??? I'm not saying you are, I'm just saying in general. Perhaps what we need to move away from is this notion that the purpose of financial aid is to provide a chance for poor people...yeah, no the purpose is to make it affordable for anyone who can't afford to pay the full sticker price and that includes the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI.

I think this is fine theoretically, but as someone who is just a tiny bit better off (maybe) than some of the people who get FA and who lives below her means in terms of home, etc., I really balk at donating to the financial aid fund. I used to be more generous but then met people who lived in nicer homes thaN I do and who were open about getting FA. On the other hand, I do give money to support a child who is close to homeless who is going to a church related boarding school (not the secular day school my children go to).

I understand your frustration, and I think ultimately it comes down to what we all value. Personally I don't have an issue with donating to both. However, I have run across people who even balk at the idea of donating to someone who is from a poor family because they blame the family for being poor (i.e., why haven't they done better for themselves?). In the end, I think people who can afford to be the big donors probably don't really care who the money is being given to. It's those who also consider themselves who are middle class who are offended and those who just don't like FA period.

FA is kind of like taxes - whether you donate of are 'just' full pay, you know it's coming out of your bill somehow. Seeing it used appropriately and honestly is just part of the system and you accept that. Seeing it wasted or someone cheating is quite disappointing.

I guess the question is what is "appropriate and honestly?" In reading all of the threads on FA it sounds like that differs based on who you are talking to. Of course, if someone is lying about their income that's a different story.

Lying is fraud - that is an easy one. I'm hoping that in the FA process there is some leveling that occurs that says similarly situated students are getting similar aid. My bet is that at the lower end of the income scale this is true, since presumably everyone in that group would apply. It's the upper middle class aid where I think you could get some really unfair outcomes - like Family A has HHI of 250K and applies, and Family B has HHI of 250K and would not dream of applying. Not sure how to address that.

If family B chooses not to apply, then the consequence of that is that they don't get FA. I don't see how it becomes the schools responsibility to make sure anyone who might qualify for FA applies. The schools tell you FA is available and how to apply. The rest is incumbent on the parents. Also, what you might perceive as similarly situated might in fact not be. Family A may have high student loan debt and Family B does not. Family A might have high medical expenses debt and family B does not. Family A might be helping support an elderly parent on who is on a fixed incomes. My point is what might appear to be the same, in fact, not the same at all when you start digging into people's finances and expenses. Of course
I don't mean that someone should be able to incur irresponsible debt loving lavishly and then qualify for FA. But if a family has incurred thousands of dollars of medical expenses treating a medical condition, yes that should be considered and weighted.

True, but the whole thing becomes a convoluted "game."

I'd much rather US private schools did the same thing as US parochials or privates abroad do: be serious about cost management, charge much reduced tuition for all, offer FA just to the very needy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have begun to absolutely hate these threads. Even as a private school parent, my head isn't so far up my own ass to recognize that what we offer our kids is truly and wonderfully a luxury good. Every poster here, who so earnestly paint a picture of how they sacrifice to pay tuition or how honestly their "need" is for a private school education. It's all BS. I don't begrudge you FA, if you want to be at my school and figure out a way to do it, good for you! But please, be honest with yourself. It's a luxury good and someone is helping you pay for it.

My read on most of the kids on FA in my kids school is that they are solidly middle class, two income families who have opted out of generally good public schools based on the availability of FA. If you want to find schools really attempting to help those most abandoned by failing public schools, you need to look at the charters. Privates are not helping many kids east of the river. They are helping the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI. Not passing judgement, but let's be realistic about who is receiving the FA.

No disagreement with that. My question is, what's wrong with that? Private schools benefit from admitting and giving FA to solidly middle class, two family incomes. I don't know that the goal of a private school is, or has ever been, to help those most abandoned by failing public schools. I mean clearly wealthy people who send their kids to private school aren't fleeing failing public schools. The goal of most private schools that offer FA is to create a diverse learning environment. That diversity is accomplished by admitting kids of wealthy parents, kids of middle class parent and kids of lower income parents. Everyone admits that anyone who is solidly middle class more than likely cannot afford a $40K school. So the only way to attract those families is to provide some FA. It's not a full ride. Are people really gripping over someone getting 30% financial aid??? I'm not saying you are, I'm just saying in general. Perhaps what we need to move away from is this notion that the purpose of financial aid is to provide a chance for poor people...yeah, no the purpose is to make it affordable for anyone who can't afford to pay the full sticker price and that includes the PP with her PhD and 250K HHI.

I think this is fine theoretically, but as someone who is just a tiny bit better off (maybe) than some of the people who get FA and who lives below her means in terms of home, etc., I really balk at donating to the financial aid fund. I used to be more generous but then met people who lived in nicer homes thaN I do and who were open about getting FA. On the other hand, I do give money to support a child who is close to homeless who is going to a church related boarding school (not the secular day school my children go to).

I understand your frustration, and I think ultimately it comes down to what we all value. Personally I don't have an issue with donating to both. However, I have run across people who even balk at the idea of donating to someone who is from a poor family because they blame the family for being poor (i.e., why haven't they done better for themselves?). In the end, I think people who can afford to be the big donors probably don't really care who the money is being given to. It's those who also consider themselves who are middle class who are offended and those who just don't like FA period.

FA is kind of like taxes - whether you donate of are 'just' full pay, you know it's coming out of your bill somehow. Seeing it used appropriately and honestly is just part of the system and you accept that. Seeing it wasted or someone cheating is quite disappointing.

I guess the question is what is "appropriate and honestly?" In reading all of the threads on FA it sounds like that differs based on who you are talking to. Of course, if someone is lying about their income that's a different story.

Lying is fraud - that is an easy one. I'm hoping that in the FA process there is some leveling that occurs that says similarly situated students are getting similar aid. My bet is that at the lower end of the income scale this is true, since presumably everyone in that group would apply. It's the upper middle class aid where I think you could get some really unfair outcomes - like Family A has HHI of 250K and applies, and Family B has HHI of 250K and would not dream of applying. Not sure how to address that.

If family B chooses not to apply, then the consequence of that is that they don't get FA. I don't see how it becomes the schools responsibility to make sure anyone who might qualify for FA applies. The schools tell you FA is available and how to apply. The rest is incumbent on the parents. Also, what you might perceive as similarly situated might in fact not be. Family A may have high student loan debt and Family B does not. Family A might have high medical expenses debt and family B does not. Family A might be helping support an elderly parent on who is on a fixed incomes. My point is what might appear to be the same, in fact, not the same at all when you start digging into people's finances and expenses. Of course
I don't mean that someone should be able to incur irresponsible debt loving lavishly and then qualify for FA. But if a family has incurred thousands of dollars of medical expenses treating a medical condition, yes that should be considered and weighted.

All very good points. Private HS's are particularly opaque about how the aid process works. It would help if they made sure that all that 'might' qualify do apply. Just googling around I found articles about families with HHI over 350K getting aid.

[Anonymous]

I totally agree that it is the family's responsibilty to apply. That for me is not the issue. The issue is people who buy fancier houses than mine and get financial aid AND then the school tries to strong arm me into giving to FA. I am definitely not complaining about my quality of life. I love my simple little house, we go on great vacations, have a good amount saved for retirement and college, etc, etc. I have no objection to giving to students in poverty (I am the person above who helps a virtually homeless young person go to a boarding school), but I do object to helping UMC people who make different choices than I do with their money get FA.

(UMC here is defined as economists define it, not as how DCUM defines it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I totally agree that it is the family's responsibilty to apply. That for me is not the issue. The issue is people who buy fancier houses than mine and get financial aid AND then the school tries to strong arm me into giving to FA. I am definitely not complaining about my quality of life. I love my simple little house, we go on great vacations, have a good amount saved for retirement and college, etc, etc. I have no objection to giving to students in poverty (I am the person above who helps a virtually homeless young person go to a boarding school), but I do object to helping UMC people who make different choices than I do with their money get FA.

(UMC here is defined as economists define it, not as how DCUM defines it

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally agree that it is the family's responsibilty to apply. That for me is not the issue. The issue is people who buy fancier houses than mine and get financial aid AND then the school tries to strong arm me into giving to FA. I am definitely not complaining about my quality of life. I love my simple little house, we go on great vacations, have a good amount saved for retirement and college, etc, etc. I have no objection to giving to students in poverty (I am the person above who helps a virtually homeless young person go to a boarding school), but I do object to helping UMC people who make different choices than I do with their money get FA.

(UMC here is defined as economists define it, not as how DCUM defines it

+1

+2!! Well said

[Anonymous]

This is us, HHI of $250k and we pay full freight for 2 kids at a total of $64k this year. We do it by living in an 1800 sf home, driving older cars, having a frugal lifestyle, and only taking road trips to national parks or family as vacations. With a $250k HHI I wouldn't dream of applying for FA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I totally agree that it is the family's responsibilty to apply. That for me is not the issue. The issue is people who buy fancier houses than mine and get financial aid AND then the school tries to strong arm me into giving to FA. I am definitely not complaining about my quality of life. I love my simple little house, we go on great vacations, have a good amount saved for retirement and college, etc, etc. I have no objection to giving to students in poverty (I am the person above who helps a virtually homeless young person go to a boarding school), but I do object to helping UMC people who make different choices than I do with their money get FA.

(UMC here is defined as economists define it, not as how DCUM defines it

Understood and that makes sense. I assume schools looks at optional debt and obligatory debt different. I also know that people have a way of describing their circumstances that are not completely reflective of the truth. For example, I live in a home that is between 3000-3500 sq feet. However, my mortgage is only $1,900 a month. We purchased a short sale home that needs a few repairs and we are in an area most would not want to live in because of the commute. At first impression it might seem like I'm living fancier than some who are full pay when in reality I'm not. My home is substantially cheaper than someone in a small condo in DC but my commute is longer. My point is, while I'm beginning to believe there are some who may know how to game the system, that most on FA sincerely cannot afford to full pay. I can only speak for myself but I would happily full pay if we had the income and we make a lot of financial sacrifices to pay the 75% that we do pay.

[Anonymous]

Everyone should be open unless they are worried about FA and perception. As full payers, you should all keep each other informed, many privates have different contracts for different families. If your private doesn't offer tuition insurance, definitely inquire openly.