My top choice right now is Haverford, but affording it is a concern. How's their financial aid? If anyone could share their experiences, it'd be very helpful.
Haverford College is known for being committed to supporting its students financially. The college is one of few institutions in the country that follows a need-blind admissions policy, meaning your ability to pay doesn't factor into your odds of being admitted. It also aims to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students.
Haverford uses the FAFSA to determine a student's eligibility for federal aid and the CSS Profile for college-provided aid. They consider factors such as income, assets, number of people in your family and how many of them are attending college.
The average grant aid received by first-year students for the last reported year was about $62,237. Over 50% of the students received some form of need-based financial aid and the average percent of need met was 100%. However, be aware that your financial aid package can consist of grants, work-study, and, in some cases, loans.
Consider using Haverford's Net Price Calculator for an estimate of the aid you might receive-- this tool considers your family's financial situation to give an estimate of your cost of attendance.
Remember, it's important to apply for aid early and meet all deadlines to get the fullest possible package. You should also apply even if you're not sure if you qualify-- sometimes, families with higher incomes can still be eligible for financial aid.
However, each family situation is unique and the financial aid office at Haverford would be the best resource for asking specific questions about your situation. They can walk you through the process and offer advice on securing the most aid. Don't hesitate to reach out to them! It's part of their job to help prospective and current students navigate financial aid.
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