TromboneAl
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2006
- Messages
- 12,880
Here's how the financial aid system works at DD's college (Wash U in St. Louis). Each year I supply information about income, assets, etc. If the financial aid office feels we deserve it, they will increase our financial aid award to meet the increase in tuition. They will not increase it any further unless I appeal the award, the appeal usually being based on a change in financial status. Last year I appealed, and we got a significant increase.
In our case, tuition for next year increased by $1,700, and they increased our award by $1,700. Total tuition and fees will come to about $46,400, the scholarship award is $11,700, with student loans totalling $9,500.
Because I went from semi-retired to retired in 2006, our AGI went from $44,500 in '05 to $15,300 in '06.
It may seem obvious that I should appeal, but since the decrease in income was due to my voluntarily retiring, it doesn't seem quite right to me. That is, I feel like by "Help us, we only made $15K!" I'm misrepresenting the facts.
Also, if I do appeal, do I say "I only made $15K because I retired." or simply not bring it up?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this.
In our case, tuition for next year increased by $1,700, and they increased our award by $1,700. Total tuition and fees will come to about $46,400, the scholarship award is $11,700, with student loans totalling $9,500.
Because I went from semi-retired to retired in 2006, our AGI went from $44,500 in '05 to $15,300 in '06.
It may seem obvious that I should appeal, but since the decrease in income was due to my voluntarily retiring, it doesn't seem quite right to me. That is, I feel like by "Help us, we only made $15K!" I'm misrepresenting the facts.
Also, if I do appeal, do I say "I only made $15K because I retired." or simply not bring it up?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this.