Tufts Blogs

If history repeats itself, almost two thousand Class of 2020ers are out in the world who love Tufts and will apply through our binding Early Decision plans.  It’s their chance to declare an allegiance to the idea of Jumbo love and find out early if they’ll be attending their dream college next fall.  

But what about cost?  For students in need of financial aid, ED can feel like a dangerous gamble.  You rightfully ponder, “What if I’m admitted and can’t afford to go?”

Technically, there is an out clause in the fine print of the ED agreement for when a family cannot make the finances work.  If a student has to break their end of the bargain because of money, there are no law suits or scornful calls to the other universities where you might apply.  But while there are no formal repercussions (though perhaps sharing a home with a miserable teenager is a formal repercussion for parents…), it’s an unfortunate scenario for all parties involved and should be avoided. Here’s how:

• Visit the Tufts Net Price Calculator and fill it out as thoroughly and accurately as possible.  At the end, you’ll receive a projected financial aid package.  If you put in good data, you will get a pretty accurate sense of your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and the accompanying aid package.  If your parents are divorced, ask each parent to complete the form separately and combine the two EFCs.  Know that owning a business or a farm can complicate the calculator.  Our financial aid office can help with general questions, so feel free to reach out.  (Note: they cannot comment on details/specifics of an individual case until you have applied and submitted all of the required documentation)
• Decide how you and your family feel about the result.  Does the EFC seem reasonable?
• If everyone feels ok: Apply ED and submit all required financial aid documentation by the deadlines.  Save your results from the calculator in case your actual package differs significantly from the projection.  Differences in estimates and final packages can result from errors on either end of the process, and should be rectified through a conversation with Financial Aid after decisions and awards are released.
• If everyone does not feel ok:  Apply in Regular Decision so you can compare our financial aid offer with the other offers you’ll receive.  Make a point of mentioning in your “Why Tufts?” or an email to your admissions officer that Tufts is your first choice but concerns over funding made you hesitate on ED.

Applying ED is an important decision on many levels, so take the time to research, ask questions, and do it right.  You can flip through the blogs to read more about if it's easier to get in ED, what the dean thinks of ED and who should apply, whether or not ED is for you, what parents should know about ED, and why one Tufts student knew he was ready for ED. 

Photo credit: http://blog.riosalado.edu/2011_08_01_archive.html