<p>I definitely think that there is a lot of unfairness about the FA process but I’m not sure taking away merit aid for those who don’t “need” it, according to govt defined need, is the right answer either. To me it levels the playing field a bit and particularly helps those who are stuck in the middle. </p>
<p>I find it odd that paying for college is so different then paying for anything else. How many people with a zero balance in their checking account can walk out with a mercedes because they “need” transportation? OK, so I drive a Honda and I don’t “need” transportation but why shouldn’t I be as entitled to a luxury ride just because I have enough for a Honda? And who says the wealthy don’t like a bargain?!! That may well be the reason they are so rich in the first place!!! </p>
<p>This whole, we tell you the price but then you pay in full and you pay this much and you pay this much and you pay nothing…it seems so random and bizarre and there’s probably no real way to be fair about it to everyone anyway. I certainly don’t have the answers. Some truly deserving and bright students will be barred from a Fordham education because of cost. This is a sad but true fact. In the end, I guess, it is what is is, and nobody ever said life was fair. </p>
<p>I can only be thankful that when tuition payments start 6/1 there will be enough to cover the cost thanks to that merit aid they offered my S. And though there won’t be SO much left over that we won’t feel the pain, there will still be room to help others in need by way of charitable donations because that is who we are. Of course, there would be more if the govt didn’t waste so damn much of our $$ but that’s for another conversation! :)</p>