Hello! I'm considering applying to Carnegie Mellon University, but I need quite a bit of financial aid. I used CMU's financial aid calculator to estimate my aid, but I'm unsure how reliable it is. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks!
Hello! Carnegie Mellon University's financial aid calculator is designed to give you a fairly accurate estimate of the financial aid you can expect to receive if admitted. It takes into account various factors like your family's income, assets, and number of students in college. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate and your actual financial aid package may vary when you receive an official offer from the university.
The net price calculator is generally a good starting point to get a sense of your potential financial aid package, but it's not a guarantee. Your actual financial aid package will depend on a more comprehensive review of your financial situation, including your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CSS Profile (if applicable) along with any additional supporting documents that the university might request.
To increase the accuracy of the estimated financial aid, make sure to provide as accurate information as possible when using the calculator. Keep in mind that your financial aid package can also be influenced by external factors such as changes to federal or state funding.
If you're concerned about the affordability of attending CMU, I'd recommend using other financial aid calculators provided by similar universities to compare aid estimates and make a more informed decision. And it's always a good idea to apply to a range of colleges with varying selectivity and affordability. Good luck!
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