Transfer OOS Needs Help with Adjusting COA

<p>Please help, as I’m new to the financial aid process. Since I have had a decent paying, full time job, I’m accustomed to pay for my classes in my previous CC. My situation is: even though I have a 3.6 gpa, I’m an OOS transfer student that makes a decent salary, so I currently don’t qualify for any aid, scholarships, work study, or grants from gatech. I received full federal loans for a junior year student (about $6250 /semester) and now I need to pull out a private student loan so that I can pay for my first semester, spring 2011; however, it seems that my estimated COA isn’t high enough. </p>

<p>Basically, my estimated COA is $20,044, which isn’t enough to cover my on-campus living expenses (I have family housing; I’m married) nor I believe it will cover my health insurance costs( I think insurance is mandatory, correct me if I’m wrong). For OOS, the tuition cost for the spring 2011 is about 12k for greater than 6 hours. </p>

<p>My question: Will it be possible to contact the financial aid office and request for them to raise my estimated COA enough so that I can receive a loan that would cover these costs? As you may know, student loans cover up to 100% of the COA, so I figure if the amount provided is below what I need, I will be in a pinch.</p>

<p>Side note: I will be without a job once I transfer, however, I will be looking into getting a part time. My wife is searching for a full time position so I may qualify for in-state tuition in the future. I will also ask for a special circumstance waiver for my change in income once I qualify for one. I have applied to many scholarships online, but I’m sure my chances are very slim. </p>

<p>I’d like to know if anyone has been in this situation or if anyone has advice on what further actions I should take.</p>