RedJayhawk

My daughter is a ND Scholar who was admitted EA to ND's Class of 2009. She is a National Hispanic and National Merit Finalist, top of her class and more. Got her fin aid award recently, and very disappointed.

Talked to one of the ND fin aid reps, and he says the award was based on my 2004 income. I had told ND that my 2005 income would be a lot less(more than a third less) than my 2004 income, but he said they don't care. Altho you are paying a 2005-06 tuition bill, they base aid award just on 2004 income tho it is known that that income is a lot less than 2005 income. Efforts to explain that I can't pay money I don't have were falling on deal ears.
I am going to contact the head fin aid fellow at ND. Anyone have any ideas how to bust thru this foolishness? Other schools have told me they will award aid based on estimated 2005(lower)income rather than higher 2004 income. Any help would be appreciated, as decision time is fast approaching. Thanks.

mhawk177

The thing is that they have to be cynical to some extent about claims like these. I am not even coming close to calling you a liar, but they do have to go off of the only thing they can. 2004 income, more often than not, reflects the income of someone in 2005. Now, from what I hear, phone calls to the ND FA office have positive results as far as getting some small alterations. I would not call you a liar, but can't you see why they would be cynical about a projected income that would be to your benefit? It sucks that your income went down that much, but they really do have to follow the rules. I do reccomend that phone call to the head of the office, I hope for your sake that he is very understanding of your situation. Best of luck.