Penn or UChicago?

OneMom
Wed, 12 Apr 2006 06:01:24 +0000

You can use one of those online Estimated Family Contribution calculators and get an idea. I don’t think that they care whether or not your dad is approaching retirement. However, yes, having two in college makes a huge impact. If his estimated family contribution is 60K, and you cost him 45K each, then you would be eligible for 30K in aid, as a family. However, when you are the only one in school, you are eligible for nothing. So, in the overlap years, you would have a chance at aid. I don’t think that the estimated family contribution would be 90K out of 200K- that is nearly fifty percent. But, try a couple of these online estimates, or have your parents do it. Are your parents interested in having you attend a top school? If so, that is a big plus- you are a team, and there is power in that. I would probably go for it in that case. If not- you may have a miserable time listening to them complain, nitpicking about grades, money, etc. It may not be worth it.