<p>I got my financial aid estimate from Williams today and they gave my family $25,000. All other schools (including Yale) have determined we are ineligible for financial aid. </p>
<p>My dad is a farmer and this makes our income a lot higher than what we really have available, plus farm assets, but no other schools have taken this into account when determining our need. I wonder if Williams did and that’s why they gave us so much money? </p>
<p>Or is there some way that Williams really messed this up? It just seems too good to be true. </p>
<p>Is Williams considered at “peer” school to Yale and would Yale consider matching this? </p>
<p>My family really can’t afford a $50,000 bill every year and this financial aid would allow me to attend a private college, it just seems insane compared to $0 at other schools… What’s going on?</p>
<p>Wow, that is definitely a big difference… You might want to contact the financial aid offices of both Williams and Yale to confirm that neither offer is a mistake or based on a miscalculation. Williams has long been known for good aid, and it’s possible that it uses a different formula, but with Yale’s new financial aid initiatives, your results are surprising. Good luck! They are both outstanding schools.</p>
<p>“My dad is a farmer and this makes our income a lot higher than what we really have available, plus farm assets, but no other schools have taken this into account when determining our need. I wonder if Williams did and that’s why they gave us so much money?”</p>
<p>This may be precisely the thing. If you are concerned that the aid won’t be continued for the rest of college, call the financial aid office at Williams and ask them about it. Farm income is a particularly big headache, and most colleges/universities really don’t seem to know what to do about it.</p>
<p>Sounds like Williams is a great place for you!! We’re self-employed, too, and a school that understands and allows for the weird financials that flow from that is a keeper!</p>