My daughter was recently accepted to WPI and received a very good award. However, there’s still a hefty balance to cover. Can I inquire about more financial aid? My daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 2 1/2. She is a very strong, smart, independent student in the top of her class. With everything she’s been through, I just want to limit her school debt as much as possible. Thank you for any assistance.
Sure…you can ask. Do you need $1000 more…or $10,000 more?
I’d like to reach for the stars if possible. She has tried to work through her high school years but I’m pretty sure there was a little discrimination even though there shouldn’t be.
Was this a merit or need based award? Merit awards usually have a criteria. Need based are based on calculations done by the school.
But you can ask.
I will say…if you are looking for $10,000 or more in increased aid…I personally think your chances are low.
It was merit. Thank you for your input. Guess it can’t hurt either way.
Sure…ask! Why not…nothing ventured…nothing gained.
Was there a great amount of medical debt or expenses that weren’t somehow accounted for with the CSS? I would think that might be a good approach.
Does her package come in line with what you expected to see after running the net price calculator in their website?
Also…are you eligible for need based aid? Or not?
I’m pretty sure they will not give us any needs based.
I’m not sure if our medical is considered high or not. Too me, it is. She does receive weekly PT, which comes with a copay. I honestly didn’t know what to expect as far as a package. I am very much appreciative of what the school has offered. I just thought female-disabled engineer might merit a tad more. She’s been deal a shitty hand in life. Like all parents, I just want the best for her. Thank you for all the input!
Good luck to you…and her!
With regard to medical bills…schools usually only consider unreimbursed medical expenses. So your deductibles would be considered.
WPI is a Profile school. When you submitted her Profile, did you put anything in the additional comments section about her medical expenses?
Have your D do the communication. Well, my D took over and contacted her schools herself, but I think it may mean more coming from her…especially if she has some update on her application…a new award, etc. In our case, D would give an update when she has a new accomplishment and in the same email inquired about the potential update on merit front.
Also do you have any offer from other school? That would help too. D always makes us (the parents) the bad guy…" Your are my top choice, but my parents want it to be more affordable for me, compared to similar options…and I want to convince my parents to go to you…"
Best of luck!!
If you don’t qualify for needs based aid, then your OOP medical expenses would have to be quite substantial to have any impact.
I vaguely remember that there was some calculation based on income that would be ignored…and then anything above that would only get partial consideration.
The calculation was something like…if you earn $150k then the first $15k OOP (10%) is ignored. And if you had $5k in med expenses beyond the $15k, then a % of that $5k might decrease EFC.