How will my aid package change from year to year?
Lawrence strives to meet the institutionally demonstrated need of all domestic students who apply for financial aid. Assuming that your family's financial situation does not change dramatically from one year to the next, your financial aid award will remain relatively constant for all four years you attend Lawrence. The configuration of that award may vary, however, as Stafford Loan eligibility and work-study hours increase.
Do you adhere to a need-blind admission policy?
Yes, Lawrence strictly adheres to a need-blind admission policy. Therefore, you will not be denied admission to Lawrence University simply because your family may not have sufficient resources to meet the full cost of attendance.
How will outside scholarships affect my overall financial package?
At Lawrence, the first $1000 of private scholarship money is subtracted from the self-help portion of the financial aid package (i.e., student loan or work-study). You have the choice as to which award you would like reduced. Beyond $1000, the remainder will be divided 50/50 between reducing the Lawrence need-based grant and the student's self-help portion. Outside scholarships do not reduce merit-based scholarships that you are awarded from Lawrence.
What types of on-campus jobs are available if I have work-study?
Lawrence has may different types of options for work-study, and anyone who wants an on-campus job will be able to find one. The university offers many opportunities for jobs within academic departments, administrative offices, dining services, and many more. Students may secure the job of their choice as Lawrence University does not assign jobs to students.
I want to apply for Early Decision to Lawrence, but I'm concerned about the cost of attending. How will I know my financial aid award?
You and your family will complete the Lawrence Early Estimator Form, allowing us to calculate a tentative need analysis and make an aid award to you immediately following your admission. You will need to complete the regular financial aid process. If the information you provided on the Early Estimator is accurate, your financial aid award will remain the same as the tentative award.
Should my family utilize an individual or company to fill out the FAFSA or search for Scholarships?
NO. You and your family will easily be able to complete the FAFSA without the assistance of a "fee-for-services" company. Help in completing the FAFSA is offered free by the Lawrence University Office of Financial Aid as well as the FAFSA website.
In addition, information about scholarships is readily available in your high school guidance office, at the library, and on the Internet. Our best advice is NOT to use any fee-for-service scholarship person or organization and to call or email our office for assistance.
My family is going to have two children in undergraduate college at the same time. Will that affect my aid award?
First, your parent(s) will have to file a FAFSA for each student and complete additional aid applications for the colleges to which you and your sibling apply/attend. The parent contribution (based on income, assets, age, etc) calculated by the college(s) should reflect the fact that there are two students in undergraduate college at the same time.
For example, if the parent contribution is determined to be $10,000, then $5000 will go to you to attend Lawrence, and $5000 will go to your sibling to attend another college (or Lawrence!). The remainder of your need will be met according to the aid policies at the college(s) you and your sibling attend. When one of the students is no longer in college, the full parent contribution then goes to the student still in undergraduate school, resulting in a new aid package but little, if any, additional parental expenditure overall.