Anonymous wrote:When are financial aid offers made to current families? I imagine this varies from school to school, but do returning families generally get financial aid offers before contracts are due?
We were on a financial aid wait list last year and were in limbo for a while after the deadline for signing the contract. We took the leap anyway, turning down some schools that did offer us aid right away. We were so grateful to get any money when it freed up that we didn't ask for a reconsideration, even though we're paying about 15k more than we estimated we could and about the same amount more than we would have at the next most expensive school. It's been tough (worth it, I think, but involving some sacrifices) and we have some significant new expenses coming up this year. We made as strong a case as we were able to for an increased award for this upcoming year, but are curious about the timing of decisions.
You should speak with the aid office if you really want to know, but it is standard for aid offers to be made before contracts are due.
I wouldn’t just rely on aid though. Do what you can to solve the financial crunch on your end.