I tried calling last week about need-based aid (on top of the $25k merit scholarship offered) on the grounds that the NPC projected about $7K more in total with or withour merit money. Also mentioned offers from comparable schools (Rochester and Brandeis) that virtually mirrored their own NPC projections and beat Case by at least 5K. It was a short conversation with zero gained. Case is DS’ first choice and relatives have offered to help make up the first year difference, so all is good. But if my wife and I were not confident that our combined income will be much higher two years from now, making Case’s advantage in merit aid very important, Case may very well been ruled out by this discrepancy. Brusque conversations with FA aside, we love the school and couldn’t be happier that our son will be attending. Moral of the story: ask, but don’t hold your breath!