<p>My son will begin classes at East Carolina University in August. We completed the FAFSA. The SAR indicated he was only eligible a $4500 in Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Well, here we are two months out, and to date, he has received no award notification. (everything was received by the university on 3/22) I’ve sent an email to Financial Aid, and I am waiting for a response.</p>
<p>Estimated cost of attendance is $20K. The PLUS loan may be an option, but I’m in panic mode and would appreciate any suggestions. I’m becoming concerned that we may be required to pay the full tuition, which isn’t an option.</p>
<p>Welcome to CC.</p>
<p>ECU does not meet 100% demonstrated need (cost of attendance - EFC = demonstrated need).</p>
<p>What was your EFC?<br>
Is it more than the 20k cost of attendance?<br>
If yes, than the school believes that you have no demonstrated need and you were not offered any aid other that the unsub loan. </p>
<p>What are your son’s stats?<br>
Is this a school where he is at the top of the applicant pool and a good candidate for merit money?
Looking at the array of scholarships that the school offers, it does not look as if any of them would really put a dent in the COA.</p>
<p>Are you in-state? In state tuition is $5869. Apparently based on your income, the school feels that your family has the income/assets where they can afford to pay this </p>
<p>[Office</a> of Financial Aid - FAQ](<a href=“http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/financial/faq.cfm]Office”>http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/financial/faq.cfm)</p>
<p>Are you with in commutable distance? If yes, than you son may have to commute to this school and not live on campus</p>
<p>we may be required to pay the full tuition, which isn’t an option.</p>
<p>Well, since you’re only eligible for loans, then in effect, your family will be paying for all costs.</p>
<p>Your son is eligible for a $5500 student loan. Call the FA office and ask for that. </p>
<p>How much can you pay each year without loans? </p>
<p>If you still need more money, then you can do a Plus loan for the rest.</p>
<p>If the tuition is only $6k per year, then it sounds like with economizing, you can bring down the cost. how much is room and board?</p>
<p>BTW…are you looking on the school’s portal to see if the award is mentioned there? The loan won’t be sent to you; it goes to the school…it may not be there yet. You’ll get half for the first semester, and half for the second.</p>
<p>Emails get lost. Just call their financial assistance office ASAP with your questions. I’ve phoned the FA office of several colleges. All of them always picked up the phone and very easily answered all questions. All the colleges my kid was accepted to provided full FA details before May 1st so our family could more easily make the college attendance decision with all the financial details in front of is. This is pretty standard.</p>
<p>Also agree about your student checking their online portal. He/She should’ve been given access to that weeks ago. Some colleges only put the FA package details online where it’s visible in the student’s personal portal/account.</p>