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Duke University
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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
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Can low-income students afford top-tier colleges?

Hello! I'm a high school junior from a low-income background, and I'm worried about the cost of attending a top-tier college. I know that these schools often offer generous financial aid packages, but I'm just wondering if it's really realistic for someone like me to afford it without accumulating a ton of debt. Any insights would be super helpful!

11 months ago

Hey there! It's completely understandable to be concerned about the cost of attending top-tier colleges, but I'm here to offer some hope!

Many top colleges are need-blind, meaning they don't take your financial situation into account during the admissions process. They often have generous financial aid packages that consider your family's income, and they sometimes meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. So, it is very much possible for low-income students to attend top-tier colleges without accumulating excessive debt.

For example, my child is currently attending a prestigious university and also comes from a low-income background. The financial aid package they received covers a significant portion of the tuition, leaving only some manageable costs for us to handle.

It's important to research each college's financial aid policies and use their net price calculators to estimate your potential financial aid package. Don't let the sticker price of top-tier colleges intimidate you! Apply for scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid to increase your chances of receiving a great aid package. Best of luck!

11 months ago

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