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Navigating Financial Aid and Early Decision

Oct 23
Tahkeya Blake Inside Admissions

 

For many students, after careful consideration and research, Early Decision is their chance to declare an allegiance to the idea of joining the Jumbo community. The have made up their minds and are eager to find out early if they’ll be attending their #1 college choice in the fall.

But you might rightfully ponder, “What about the cost of attendance?” For students applying for financial aid, Early Decision can feel like a big commitment. 

Here are some ways to be prepared ahead of deciding if applying ED is right for you and your family:

  1. Visit 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 enter accurate data, you will get a preliminary sense of your family contribution and the accompanying aid package.  

  2. Our Financial Aid office can help with general questions, so feel free to reach out. (Note: they cannot provide feedback on details or specifics of an individual case until you have applied and submitted all of the required documentation).

  3. Discuss your Net Price Calculator results with your family. Does the calculated family contribution align with your family's expectations of the cost of college?

Yes? We welcome you to apply Early Decision! Please submit all required financial aid documentation by the specified deadlines. Save your results from the Net Price Calculator in case you need to reference it later or need to review changes in circumstances with the Financial Aid staff after decisions are released.

Not so sure? It is likely the appropriate choice to apply during Regular Decision so you can compare your Tufts financial aid package with the other aid awards you’ll receive. You can communicate your excitement and interest in Tufts in other ways, like your "Why Tufts?" short-answer response in the application.

Applying Early Decision is an important decision on many levels, so take the time to explore your options and ask questions. As you continue getting to know Tufts and decide which application round is right for you, we encourage you to read student and admissions staff blogs, view application requirements, and plan a virtual or in-person visit!