|
This is the reply I received (and the previous poster's math about a $3K increase in student contribution unfortunately only accounts for 1/4 of our adjustment).
"Due to an increase in the number of financial aid applications for the 2009-2010 academic year and the increased demand for financial assistance, our office was tasked with the challenge of distributing our limited funds as equitably as possible across the student population. Because of our continued commitment to award financial aid funding as fairly as possible, our office made several policy changes that were applied consistently across all financial aid applicants. These universal policy adjustments may result in an increase in the expected family contribution for some families. Please keep in mind financial aid only covers 12-18 units. Any additional units will be expected to be covered out of pocket by the student."
I think the University has a responsibility to be transparent and identify what those "policy
adjustments" were. I will inquire further. And, of course, for us the kicker is that we will have to pay the extra tuition for 2 units because my son will not graduate on time otherwise (not all his transfer units were credited by USC).
I read that USC has the largest endowment of private colleges and, if so, can only wonder how so many other Universities are managing to make "no-loan" commitments.
|