momofthree

Does anyone on this forum have experience with financial aid packages at Earlham? Anyone know if they tend to give decent grant money or do they tend more toward large plus loans? I know they do not promise to meet 100% of need: does that mean large gapping for those of you in the know?

Thanks!

obesmom

My daughter's aid package was very generous. We have a very low EFC and Earlham met 100% of her need without us taking any PLUS loans at all. Beside the merit aid, she got quite a bit of need based grant money from the college. Without generous aid she wouldn't have been able to attend, but they really came through for her. Her student loans are pretty low (lower than they would have been at our state schools).

zmonkeytoe

Aid Statistics
Freshmen receiving need-based financial aid: 59%
Undergraduate receiving need-based financial aid: 63%
Average freshman loan: $3,683
Average freshman total need-based gift aid: $12,422

momofthree

Thanks obesmom!! And zmonkeytoe!! I had read the statistics from the Earlham fin aid booklet, and it is helpful to hear from those who have received aid. We will have two in college, so it will help if there is not a big gap and if the parent loans are small.

momofthree

Well, the aid package was quite generous, and very workable, I am thankful to say!! This is the first finaid package we have received, and it is a relief to know this is affordable!

icemaker

My brother graduated from Earlham and after his freshman year, he was always successful at getting additional grant and scholarship money in lieu of loans by going to the financial aid office and essentially appealing. He ended up getting out of Earlham virtually unscathed regarding student loan debt.

momofthree

icemaker,

That is encouraging! Do you know how he approached the financial aid folks? Was he a stellar student?