College tuition question

[momxx5]

DS graduation this a few weeks ago. He has a great GPA. Did excellent on SAT. He is a AP Scholar with Distinction ( scoring 5 on 4 or more AP exams) and was top of the class.....Valedictorian and all
We are so proud of him.
This year he really put effort into his grades and it really paid off.

The good news is he was accpeted to his first choice college and recieved an awesome package full of grant/scholarships and a small loan. It is guaranteed for all 4 years. We completed the FASA stuff on time and it was calculated (because of our terrible financial situation) that he would be getting the grants.

Now at Graduation it was a total surprise to us, he earn 3 scholarships. A smaller one time one of $200 ish, a National Honor Society on of $500 and an awesome one......$3,000 for all 4 years!!!

Now come the kicker: He must disclose to the school all scholarship monies earned. No problem. However now they are going to re-work (into a set program) his new numbers and the amount of the grants will be reduced thus leaving us having to get a small loan.

Bascially, all the hard work, essays, interviews, etc to earn the scholarships was for not because they are just going to take away funding. We were hoping to use the scholarship money to purchase a required lap top and a saxaphone, as he plans to do marching band. We were hoping to use some of the money to purchase new sneakers, a printer, and possible some much need dorm stuff.
WELL, that is NOT going to happen because they are reducing any grand money.

Is this common? I do not want to appear to be ungrateul at all, but after stuggling finanacially for so long, it looking like college was going to be an great moment in his life.

If anyone has any insight please do pass along.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Southernmiss]

DS graduation this a few weeks ago. He has a great GPA. Did excellent on SAT. He is a AP Scholar with Distinction ( scoring 5 on 4 or more AP exams) and was top of the class.....Valedictorian and all
We are so proud of him.
This year he really put effort into his grades and it really paid off.

The good news is he was accpeted to his first choice college and recieved an awesome package full of grant/scholarships and a small loan. It is guaranteed for all 4 years. We completed the FASA stuff on time and it was calculated (because of our terrible financial situation) that he would be getting the grants.

Now at Graduation it was a total surprise to us, he earn 3 scholarships. A smaller one time one of $200 ish, a National Honor Society on of $500 and an awesome one......$3,000 for all 4 years!!!

Now come the kicker: He must disclose to the school all scholarship monies earned. No problem. However now they are going to re-work (into a set program) his new numbers and the amount of the grants will be reduced thus leaving us having to get a small loan.

Bascially, all the hard work, essays, interviews, etc to earn the scholarships was for not because they are just going to take away funding. We were hoping to use the scholarship money to purchase a required lap top and a saxaphone, as he plans to do marching band. We were hoping to use some of the money to purchase new sneakers, a printer, and possible some much need dorm stuff.
WELL, that is NOT going to happen because they are reducing any grand money.

Is this common? I do not want to appear to be ungrateul at all, but after stuggling finanacially for so long, it looking like college was going to be an great moment in his life.

If anyone has any insight please do pass along.
Thanks in advance.

I am sorry you were taken by surprise. Is it possible that you missed something earlier in the offer that stated that other awards would be taken into consideration for the college's financial aid package?

DS was in a similar situation to your son (graduated Val) and knew when he was looking at colleges what the family requirement would be, even after scholarships. Therefore, the college he chose was not one of his top 3 choices but the in state college that offered a complete full ride no strings attached scholarship and not the other schools who did not offer the full scholarship.

I think many people assume that because one works hard and graduates at the top of the class that colleges will fall at your feet--I know I thought that more would be offered to a bright student. But I learned through the process this year that at college one becomes a small fish in a big pond with lots of other bright young students and there just isn't always a lot of money offered.

DS is working this summer (as he did last) to pay for his computer and other necessities while he's at college.

 

[tasha99]

Congratulations to your son for all his hard work. He should see if things like the laptop can be added to his cost of attendance budget. The financial aid office will give him that budget, and that is the maximum amount of aid he can receive. At University of Oregon, a computer could be added one year, so that's likely true at other schools. I was also able to add my fees, which were above and beyond what typical students paid.

The first form of aid that should go is loans. Was he getting all grants anyway? I would have thought getting scholarships would just reduce the amount of money he could borrow.

 

[MnMomtoboys]

Most people have to pay something for college. You just got to pay up.

 

[Allison]

Yes, that is the way it works. Why are you implying that college will now no longer be a great moment in his life?

By the way, if a laptop is required it should already be included in the cost of attendance and therefore the financial aid calculation. Also, since he already plays saxophone in a band, I assume he already owns one. Is a new one a necessity or a want?

 

[Sadie22]

That's how it works. College will be great for him. He has additional achievements to list on his résumé. It was not all for naught. Continue to complete the annual FAFSA and any other paperwork required by the college. He may be eligible for additional scholarship programs from his major department or as an upperclassman, so he should seek those out as time goes on. If he needs to take a small loan to cover the rest of his cost of attendance, that's not the end of the world. He's going to college! Celebrate!

There may be resources in your community or at the college for less expensive or loaner saxophones if he does not already have one, and educational discounts on laptops through the campus bookstore.

 

[4shinystars]

My DD will be a senior in college this fall. She is in the symphony/band, and her clarinet from home was fine (not a student model). I know some students were able to use instruments provided by the school. It won't hurt to ask. Unless it is a required item for a credit bearing class, I don't see how you could use any grant/scholarship $$ for a saxophone (extracurricular activity), dorm supplies and especially sneakers, unless it was an award given by the HS or local organization with no restrictions. Books, computer, printer-yes, sheets and bedding-no
DD did receive one local grant that is more lenient, but they expect a letter stating how the money was used. She has used it for her supplies as an art student. That is the one grant she gets a check in the mail for-all other finaid goes directly to the university, except for work study.
Congrats that you did get so much finaid. Even as a great HS student and generous grants and scholarships, she still has to take out loans. It was her decision since they are in her name, but it still kills me that one pays less interest on a house or car than a federal student loan!

 

[allison443]

DS graduation this a few weeks ago. He has a great GPA. Did excellent on SAT. He is a AP Scholar with Distinction ( scoring 5 on 4 or more AP exams) and was top of the class.....Valedictorian and all
We are so proud of him.
This year he really put effort into his grades and it really paid off.

The good news is he was accpeted to his first choice college and recieved an awesome package full of grant/scholarships and a small loan. It is guaranteed for all 4 years. We completed the FASA stuff on time and it was calculated (because of our terrible financial situation) that he would be getting the grants.

Now at Graduation it was a total surprise to us, he earn 3 scholarships. A smaller one time one of $200 ish, a National Honor Society on of $500 and an awesome one......$3,000 for all 4 years!!!

Now come the kicker: He must disclose to the school all scholarship monies earned. No problem. However now they are going to re-work (into a set program) his new numbers and the amount of the grants will be reduced thus leaving us having to get a small loan.

Bascially, all the hard work, essays, interviews, etc to earn the scholarships was for not because they are just going to take away funding. We were hoping to use the scholarship money to purchase a required lap top and a saxaphone, as he plans to do marching band. We were hoping to use some of the money to purchase new sneakers, a printer, and possible some much need dorm stuff.
WELL, that is NOT going to happen because they are reducing any grand money.

Is this common? I do not want to appear to be ungrateul at all, but after stuggling finanacially for so long, it looking like college was going to be an great moment in his life.

If anyone has any insight please do pass along.
Thanks in advance.

Congratulations to your son on his achievements! I don't understand, though-he accepted the financial aid package from his school with the combination of grants and a small loan....winning the scholarships a couple weeks ago was a surprise you said. So how would you have paid for these things if he hadn't unexpectedly won the scholarships a couple of weeks ago? You're in the same position you were in when he accepted admission/financial aid package at the school, right?
It is very common for the school to reduce institutional grants if the student wins outside scholarships. It's too bad you guys didn't realize this. Most schools have a limited amount of money to give out and more students with need that need help.
I don't see any mention of your son having a job or contributing any earnings to his schooling. He could get a part time job at school, couldn't he? (unless being in the band is a condition of his scholarship?) Then he could contribute to buying those things he needs.

Also, who is taking out the loan-your son, or you as his parents?

Best of luck to your son! It's an exciting time for him and you!

 

[krcit]

 

[sissy_ib]

He had enough scholarship money from the school to only need a small loan and buy all that stuff? A laptop, saxophone, shoes, a printer and dorm furnishings is a lot. How is he going to buy books?
Maybe I just don't know how scholarships work.

 

[Patience]

If I understand you correctly, they are reducing his grants (need-based money) by the amount he won in scholarships (merit-based money). He had a small loan before he won the scholarships and he will still have a small loan. I am assuming maybe you thought the scholarships would eliminate the need for the small loan and that you could use the left over scholarship money to buy a printer, dorm supplies, sneakers, sax, etc. I am also assuming that you had already planned to buy those things before you found out about the scholarships so nothing really has changed.

Your husband works as a professor at a university, right? I would suggest that he look around his campus for kids selling their no longer needed dorm items for cheap, although it would have been best to do that when school let out in the spring. You can hit up yard sales, Goodwill and craigslist for things like dorm bedding, lamps, fans, a rug, etc. and Plato's closet for sneakers. He doesn't need new towels, just send him with a few from home. He can also use a blanket from home and he doesn't have to have a comforter set as long as he has a blanket and sheets. He also probably doesn't need a printer. At my daughter's orientation, we were told that most students just use the print lab. He can use his old sax from high school.

I know you have been asked about this before on other threads but why doesn't your son have a part-time job to help pay for some of this stuff? From your other posts, it sounds like you are a two income family and yet you have so many financial problems and you never seem to plan ahead for things like Christmas and college dorm room supplies. Your children who are old enough should find part-time jobs.

 

[tar heel]

Of course a financial aid package is reduced if a kid gets additional scholarships. How could it not be? As the mom of a kid getting $0 financial aid (and we're not rich), I would be beyond ticked off if that were not the case.

From your previous posts it sounds like your kid might be going to NCSU, a school that has FREE loaner instruments for the marching band. As people previously mentioned, the computer should have been included in your financial aid package. Printers are nice but not necessary. Problem solved.

 

[mdsoccermom]

I am so confused. So many questions...

1. Surely your teenage son had a job? He should have some money socked away for sneakers, printer, dorm supplies.
2. How were you planning to pay for all of this before?
3. I don't believe that your son does not have access to a saxophone. It's not like he just started playing it last week. If he indeed does not have one, then I bet his school has a loaner program. Better to ask about that then to beg.

I know, I know he's such a GOOD kid and deserves all this.

 

[Nayan]

I know you have been asked about this before on other threads but why doesn't your son have a part-time job to help pay for some of this stuff? From your other posts, it sounds like you are a two income family and yet you have so many financial problems and you never seem to plan ahead for things like Christmas and college dorm room supplies. Your children who are old enough should find part-time jobs.

Because it's sooooo much easier to sniff around and have kind-hearted souls on the DIS give handouts than to put forth any effort.

 

[Marionnette]

DS graduation this a few weeks ago. He has a great GPA. Did excellent on SAT. He is a AP Scholar with Distinction ( scoring 5 on 4 or more AP exams) and was top of the class.....Valedictorian and all
We are so proud of him.
This year he really put effort into his grades and it really paid off.

The good news is he was accpeted to his first choice college and recieved an awesome package full of grant/scholarships and a small loan. It is guaranteed for all 4 years. We completed the FASA stuff on time and it was calculated (because of our terrible financial situation) that he would be getting the grants.

Now at Graduation it was a total surprise to us, he earn 3 scholarships. A smaller one time one of $200 ish, a National Honor Society on of $500 and an awesome one......$3,000 for all 4 years!!!

Now come the kicker: He must disclose to the school all scholarship monies earned. No problem. However now they are going to re-work (into a set program) his new numbers and the amount of the grants will be reduced thus leaving us having to get a small loan.

Bascially, all the hard work, essays, interviews, etc to earn the scholarships was for not because they are just going to take away funding. We were hoping to use the scholarship money to purchase a required lap top and a saxaphone, as he plans to do marching band. We were hoping to use some of the money to purchase new sneakers, a printer, and possible some much need dorm stuff.
WELL, that is NOT going to happen because they are reducing any grand money.

Is this common? I do not want to appear to be ungrateul at all, but after stuggling finanacially for so long, it looking like college was going to be an great moment in his life.

If anyone has any insight please do pass along.
Thanks in advance.

Your son's hard work was not for naught. He earned the valedictorian spot. He earned 3 outside scholarships on his own. He earned a scholarship at the university of his choice. Isn't there some sense of pride and satisfaction on his part for having achieved all that?

Almost everyone has to borrow money to pay for college. There are very few people who get a full free ride and most of them are athletes with amazing talent and extremely limited financial resources.

It appears that you are no worse off than you were before he was awarded those scholarships. If he hadn't gotten them, how were you going to purchase that mandatory laptop? books? lab fees? additional living expenses?

But I'm confused. Didn't you post this a few months ago?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2934383

My oldest is graduating from High School next week. We are soooo proud. He is a really good kid. He earned a few scholarships and has a full ride to a super great school.

I know he is not expecting anything, knowing our limited budget. He is very easy to please. However I do want to get his something to remember the occassion.

Any suggestions?

I was thinking of a watch because he does not have one and that could fit into any pricing.

I don't think we can swing a iPod right now, he is using an handme down nano that does not work with earphones, so he uses a base speaker/clock thing. We could if we gave it to him before going to college, just not this month.

Would you think an iPod or a Nook/Kindle would be preferred?

Thanks in advance.

It hasn't been that long since we went down the road for college aid the first time, but when a kid gets a "full ride", it usually means that their tuition is completely covered for 4 years with a scholarship. And merit scholarships from the school do not get reduced even if the student gets outside scholarships. So, are you saying that the books, room & board fees are so high that the maximum amount of Direct Student Loans ($9,000/yr for freshmen) plus his $3K/year scholarship won't cover it? Something doesn't sound right here.

 

[Swan4Me]

Bascially, all the hard work, essays, interviews, etc to earn the scholarships was for not because they are just going to take away funding. We were hoping to use the scholarship money to purchase a required lap top and a saxaphone, as he plans to do marching band.

The correct word is for naught its an old Elizabeathan term meaning "without fruitation"

But if the scolarship money was a complete surprise-how were these things going to be purchased otherwise?

My son -a good 10 years ago when computers were much more expensive, had a requirement for his major to have an upgraded one with special drawing programs on it-cost alot-and he had full tuition scholarship. best $$ we ever spent-he now has a fabulous job directly related to that darn expensive computer

 

[Allison]

DS graduation this a few weeks ago. He has a great GPA. Did excellent on SAT. He is a AP Scholar with Distinction ( scoring 5 on 4 or more AP exams) and was top of the class.....Valedictorian and all
We are so proud of him.
This year he really put effort into his grades and it really paid off.

This has been bothering me since I read this last night. You just can't put effort into your grades during your last year of high school and have the payoff be becoming valedictorian. You need perfect grades from the beginning of your high school career.

 

[kamik86]

Of course they reduce grant money with scholarships. Grants are NEED based aid, so if your need changes for any reason it reduces. If he becomes an RA next year he would lose more need based funding.

Merit based awards are the ones you get to keep no matter what changes.

 

[kamik86]

This has been bothering me since I read this last night. You just can't put effort into your grades during your last year of high school and have the payoff be becoming valedictorian. You need perfect grades from the beginning of your high school career.

That depends on the school I graduated valedictorian and I didn't have perfect grades... they were just better then everyone else I graduated with.

As for putting in alot of effort the last year. Well since neither myself or the two below me put in a lot of effort any of the four years (we were all just the lucky ones that this school stuff came easy too I didn't work at it until college) so had either the 2nd or 3rd place person put in a lot of effort senior year they would have passed me.

 

[Marionnette]

That depends on the school I graduated valedictorian and I didn't have perfect grades... they were just better then everyone else I graduated with.

As for putting in alot of effort the last year. Well since neither myself or the two below me put in a lot of effort any of the four years (we were all just the lucky ones that this school stuff came easy too I didn't work at it until college) so had either the 2nd or 3rd place person put in a lot of effort senior year they would have passed me.

I guess that your school wasn't very competitive.

My kids' school was so competitive that if you didn't take all of the AP courses offered, you had no hope of being in the top 3. If you didn't take any AP courses, you didn't even make top 10%. And getting into the AP track was predicated on taking the "pre" courses in middle school. And getting into those "pre" courses was dependent on being in the academically talented program in grade school. In essence, the kids had to be identified as "gifted" in kindergarten in order to graduate as a valedictorian in their school.

There's no way that a kid could buckle down their senior year and achieve the #1 spot. The kid who already had #1 wasn't going to slack off enough for that to happen. And even if she did, there were 20 kids right behind her with GPAs within .001-.003 points.