Accepted to Columbia without aid

sybbie719
Sun, 18 May 2014 11:27:07 +0000

Columbia specifically states the following:





Can families apply for financial aid in future years if they do not apply the first year?

Yes, under certain circumstances. A family that experiences a change in circumstances may apply for financial aid at any time. For example, it is not uncommon for a family to suffer a job loss or illness or for a younger sibling to begin attending college. Please note, however, that institutional aid will usually be awarded only in cases that involve an involuntary change in circumstances. Parents who decide to retire early or to invest in a business start-up may not be awarded institutional aid. It is a good idea to include a letter describing your family’s change in circumstances with any new financial aid application.

Please note: foreign students and transfer students who were admitted without institutional financial aid are not guaranteed institutional financial aid even if there is a change in circumstances

http://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/ask/faq/topic/399



It looks like you/your family was trying to game the system by not applying for aid as an international student, leading the school to believe that you/your family could pay the cost of attending Columbia vs. stating your financial situation and letting the school decide whether or not they could fund your child.

They admitted your son based on the premise that you could pay for 4 years without and financial assistance. Now it is time to put your money where your mouth is and fund your child’s 4 years at Columbia.

As an international student, your son will not be able to work in the U.S. Unless you can get loans from your home country or find a U.S. co-signer foolish enough to take on $240,000 of debt for you/your family, then Columbia University is not a financially feasible option for your family and your son must decline the admission.