<p>I finally got into CheckMarq to see our dismal package. No surprise there. But what I can’t figure out is that the “Aid Year Total” comes to about $47k when tuition + room/board comes to about 40. Even adding in some estimate for books and travel and expenses I have a hard time getting to 47. Anyone understand where this number comes from?</p>
<p>(I was amused to see the ginormous figure called out as “optional parent-student loan.” Optional would be “robbing a bank,” or “winning the lottery.” Nothing too optional about this loan!)</p>