Automatic Scholarship Increased in 2019

Paying for College
1

One of my kids goes to a relatively well regarded PA LAC with an automatic merit program which makes it more affordable. The renewable scholarship increased from $30k to $35k in 2019, apparently for incoming students only.

With 3 years to go, an additional $15k over that period would really come in handy, but existing students don’t really have any leverage to speak of. Does anyone think there’s a chance of getting a break on this, either with a polite email inquiry to the financial aid office or via another approach? It’s not like they locked in our tuition for 4 years, so I’m feeling a little burned by this (rightfully or not).

2

Contact the college and ask. There is no way to know unless you do.

Financial aid and amount awarding policies DO change. And they are often not retroactive for current students.

3

Totally ask. Also, if your getting any financial aid vs merit lots of schools do adjust your award when the cost of admission goes up.
If they say no ask in what other ways they can help. We asked for housing help and they did.
Lacs tend to be easier to get few extra dollars from when needed. An extra $5,000 /year would definitely be helpful.