<p>After submitting the FAFSA, we discovered that our EFC is about $20K. Given that I want to pursue an undergraduate major (professional piloting) that requires an additional $14,000 each year in fees, I demonstrate considerable financial need even with this EFC. For instance, my top choice would be about $58K a year. It is unreasonable to count on instututinal grants of at least $6K a semester at a private Jesuit university given that I am in need of about $19K per semester? Even $6K would really help because I have already received their highest merit scholarship (not something I’m sure they take into consideration for these types of grants). As to whether or not schools factor in program fees like flight training, I’m sure some don’t but I have every indication to believe that this one does.</p>
<p>Also, I don’t need a lecture about how I can avoid debt by attending a cheaper school. I am well aware of that, and most likely will be. I am just curious to see if my top choice is even a possibility at this point now that I have this information.</p>
<p>Are you asking if this Jesuit school will give you more money since you’ll also be paying for fees related to becoming a pilot? Are these fees charged by the university? </p>
<p>Which school is this? Many of the Jesuit schools don’t meet need anyway.</p>
<p>Yes, basically. And the fees are charged by the university but the university (to answer your question, Saint Louis) factors them into the total cost of attendance. I’m not necessarily asking for them to be waived or anything. I’m just wondering if, given my EFC, I stand a chance at significant financial aid in the form of institutional grants considering how expensive it is. I don’t expect my need to be fully met, that would be unrealistic. It would be helpful if 1/3 of it or so were, though, considering I am a promising student pursuing a very expensive degree.</p>
<p>That is up to the school entirely. They may not even be able to answer your question until they have all of the students they want to accept and look at what they have to distribute in financial aid. The school you have in mind does not guarantee to meet full need, nor do they for most students, so you are very likely to be gapped. Your merit money will go towards your need, reducing your finanical need figure. </p>
<p>I can tell you that my friends whose son is now a pilot, and who was very high need did NOT get a cent of the flight time covered by any aid. She borrowed to pay that for her son, and they are now still repaying those loans from 10 years ago.</p>
<p>That’s a tough one because the school may not “own” the program. If it is a direct pay situation (you pay the school, but they have to turn around and pay the airport and flight instructions OOP, as opposed to the facilities being owned by the school and the instructors being school employees), it is less likely the school would be able to afford to give you more money.</p>
<p>The school that my friend’s son attended owned the program but it was still a separate line item and he paid as he went. Basically it depended on how many times he actually flew a plane that he was billed. Each flight has a cost. Even being in AFROTC, did not cover that cost. It had to be paid out of pocket and if you did not have it, you had to borrow it. They were told this was the way it typically worked, though it was a while ago. Talk to the school and find out how they treat those programs.</p>
<p>SLU does not meet need. I think you’re going to find that not only will you be expected to pay more than your EFC, but you’ll also be expected to pay for all of the flight fees.</p>
<p>When you look at average net price by income level on Collegeboard, it’s clear that they gap significantly. So, if your EFC is $20k, then they’ll likely expect your family to pay at least $30k. Very likely, they’ll also expect you to pay the flight fees. Since loans will already be in your FA pkg, you won’t be able to use stafford loans to help cover. </p>
<p>Have you run the net price calculator on SLU’s website?</p>
<p>The NPC won’t be helpful in this case, as SLU does not meet full need AND it gives merit awards. The OP indicates that he has already been awarded the highest merit award that the college gives. That is a good indication that the school considers the OP a top flight applicant, and he may well get full need met. However, the school is almost certainly going to integrate that merit award with financial aid so that he will not get any more than need. </p>
<p>I suggest you (the OP) discuss the whole subject of extra fees due to your major and flight time and ask whether they can be incorporated into the COA so that if the school should decide to give you a full ride that they are aware that your cost, given your major is going to be substantially higher than most student’s due to your intended course of study. Whether the school can or will do anything to meet this higher cost, I don’t know, and I think you need to discuss this with the school admissions and finacial aid offices.</p>
<p>I can’t thank you all enough for the help. Some of what you say is promising, some isn’t, but it’s great to learn more. I have receieved a full tuition scholarship to a state school and can attend there and graduate with virtually no debt, so if SLU doesn’t work out I will be most likely be going there. It’s very tricky with aviation, but I just need to reduce the bottom line of what we’re expected to pay over four years as much as possible. If I can’t, I’m still golden with Ohio University. I will be in contact with SLU and now know what to ask them specifically about. By the way, the NPC wasn’t helpful as you can’t just enter your EFC. They calculate it for you but their figures are WAY off.</p>