Crunch Time/ Financial Aid Concerns

The next step, which is the most difficult, is deciding where you/your daughter would like to go to school for the next 4 years.  The National Decision Day is May 1st!


I wanted to use this blog to cover concerns we hear the most about when families are going through the college decision process.  By far, the most common concern is finances and the families ability to pay for the four years of education.  Speaking for our office, we are always available to talk to you about your financial aid package and about your questions or concerns with the cost of attendance!

Some suggestions:

1. Have at least one phone conversation with your personal Admissions Counselor to go over your financial aid award letter.  Not only will this allow for you to understand every line of the letter, but it also allows the Admissions Counselor to give you your "out of pocket" cost.  Most families think they will have to pay a certain amount, because of a misconception of the letter when, in fact, it is usually less.
2. Use that conversation to talk to your Counselor about any financial problems or concerns.  We are your family's advocate and will do all that we can to make NDMU affordable and attainable for you!  Your personal Admissions Counselor can talk you through different financial aid appeal options in order for you to receive more aid if it is needed.  We are here to help!
3. Keep in mind the connection between cost of attendance and aid given for all of your schools.  Just because college B gave you $5000 more than college C, doesn't mean College B is necessarily less expensive.  Make sure to look at the cost of each school and what that covers and then look at scholarships, grants, etc. from each institution.
4. Be aware of the difference between the private and public schools you have been accepted to.  Private school does not have "In state" vs. "Out of State" tuition.  If you are from another state and could receive state aid at a local school, this is just one example of what you should talk to us about in order for us to possibly close that gap as much as possible.
5. Lastly, make sure to understand what your money will be paying for and what will still be left to cover.  Some schools have Room and Board, which covers living and eating on campus, while others require you purchase a meal plan on top of that bill you receive.  Another common bill is parking.  Parking on some campuses can cost an arm and a leg, so make sure to look into that (Notre Dame is free and guaranteed).  Finally, think of little things like laundry.  NDMU has free laundry :)  Finally, make sure you check with schools to make sure that your willingness to pay for living on campus or parking on campus (depending on the college) isn't in vain, since some schools don't allow or don't have room for each student all 4 years.


As a final and very honest note,
If your daughter wants to be here; we want her to be here & will do whatever we can.  We will truly do all that we can to get you here and make NDMU as affordable for your family as possible.  Because we are a smaller school, we really do have the ability to work with each family one-on-one to understand everyone's story and to address their concerns.


Please do not hesitate to give us a call at 410-532-5330.  This is our Main Office of Admissions number, which can always direct you to your specific counselor.


We look forward to hearing from you soon and seeing you in the Fall!
The Notre Dame of Maryland University's Office of Admissions