So, I recently appealed my original financial aid offer due to a significant drop in my parents’ income in 2024. The appeal was approved, and I did receive some additional aid—about $5,000 more. While I genuinely appreciate the extra help, the updated aid package still leaves my commitment as a major stretch given my family’s current financial situation (My new student aid index is way below what my current cost is).
I reached out to my financial aid counselor to ask if there was anything else I could do, and she told me I had already received the maximum possible increase. She also said that any further appeals wouldn’t result in additional aid.
I just want to make sure I’ve explored every possible option. Is there anything else worth trying or asking for through the financial aid office?
Duke uses the CSS profile to determine what a family can pay, not FAFSA.
It seems like you have the final answer from them and any additional appeal will be wasting everyone’s time. I don’t think you mentioned that affordability was an issue on your previous thread.
Regardless, if Duke isn’t going to be affordable for your family for the next 4 years, you might consider alternatives now, rather than later, as transfers tend to get less financial aid then first years (if it did happen that you had to transfer.)