<p>Would a finaid award from Penn be significantly greater (or, I supposed, less) than one from Haverford? Both have a no-loan policy. I love Haverford, and Penn, not quite as much, but finaid is a big issue for my family. I realize that the only way to know is to apply, but I’d be curious to know the consensus on elite liberal arts college aid vs. ivy league university aid.</p>
<p>Actually, nvm, I found a sufficient answer to my question; however, if anyone has any anecdotal advice I’d be pleased to lend an ear.</p>
<p>It depends upon which Ivy League university and which LAC. I’m guessing that for many folks Amherst’s and Swarthmore’s financial aid would top Brown’s, and that Harvard and Princeton would beat out Amherst and Swarthmore.
I’ll bet that Penn and Haverford’s aid would be close enough that if you really prefer one to the other, you should feel free to choose the one you want. Do the difference in loans, if need be.
The exception is if your parent or parents are self employed or have their own businesses. In that case you are in a financial aid “Mad Tea Party”, and things get unpredictable.</p>
<p>What constitutes self-employed? My mom sells long-term care insurance and my dad basically fixes rooves, etc. Neither has any business equity. Would these factors affect my finaid calculation?</p>