Cornell University
PAE-10: Affordability and Access Programs

The Public Service Center currently has federal TRIO program with Upward Bound. http://www.cornell.edu/outreach/programs/program view.cfm?ProgramID=1421

The University provides what is known as need-based aid. This means that a calculation based on the information from FASFA and the CSS Profile is used to create a financial aid award for students. The University also has a policy for parent contributions based on assets and income. If a family has income below $60,000 and assets less than $100,000, that student can receive a package without a parent contribution and without a loan in the package. If the income is slightly higher, $75,000 and assets valued at more than $100,000, that family may be required to provide a parent contribution, but there will still be no loan in the package. And if the family income is between $75,000 and $125,000, the loan is capped at $3,000 in the package. All of these options make Cornell a very affordable institution for our neediest students.

One program that works with low-income students to prepare for college is the Pre-Freshman Summer program. While not every student enrolled in the program is from a low-income background many of the students are. This program is designed to be a bridge program for students to aid in the preparation and transition and from High School to College. This is a requirement for students enrolled in Cornell through the Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) for low-income NYS residents. These two programs are administered in conjunction with the seven undergraduate colleges and schools through the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives. NYS residents from low-income backgrounds who are considered academically underprepared are selected for the program and through financial and academic support are given admission to Cornell. The Prefreshmen Summer Program helps to prepare them for the academic year. We have conducted financial aid application workshops in NYC the last 2 years, and have plans for travel to California in the fall of 2011. http://www.finaid.cornell.edu/types-aid, http://www.sce.cornell.edu/ss/programs.php?v=PREFRESH&s=Overview http://www.cornell.edu/outrech/programs/program view.cfm?ProgramID=1421

http://www.finaid.cornell.edu/types-aid Cornell has made the commitment to students who demonstrate financial need by meeting that need with one or more financial aid components. Each aid application is carefully reviewed and a specific aid package is designed to meet each students' particular need. Building on a long history of providing opportunity and access to students regardless of economic circumstances, Cornell also has several financial aid initiatives to help ease the financial burden for undergraduate students and their parents.

http://www.finaid.cornell.edu/cost-attend/financial-aid-initiatives Cornell has implemented several financial initiatives as part of our commitment to provide need-based aid and make Cornell affordable for admitted students. Parent Contribution Initiative Families with a total family income of less than $60,000, and total assets of less than $100,000 (including primary home equity), will have no parent contribution. Total family income equals adjusted gross income for the most recent tax year, plus any business or other losses, as well as any untaxed income. In cases of divorce or separation, we calculate total family income for each parent and add them together. Loan Initiatives Cornell is committed to keeping your student loans at a reasonable level. Need-based loans included in aid packages are capped based on total family income. Our loan initiatives are outlined in the chart below. Total family income Loan in aid package Under $75,000 annually $0 Between $75,000 and $120,000 annually $3,000 Above $120,000 annually $7,500 Total family income equals adjusted gross income for the most recent tax year, plus any business or other losses, as well as any untaxed income. In cases of divorce or separation, we calculate total family income for each parent and add them together. Award Match Initiative To improve Cornell’s competitiveness in recruiting and enrolling undergraduate students, Cornell will commit to increasing grant aid by matching the family contribution components and lower loan level of financial aid offers from other Ivy schools. We will also strive to match the family contribution components and lower loan levels of financial aid offers from Stanford, Duke, and MIT.

Through the NYS Opportunity Programs (EOP/HEOP), the Director travels across NYS recruiting at college fairs and high school visits discussing these programs with prospective high school students. The office works collaboratively with the Undergraduate Admissions Office to coordinate trips, materials, and outreach across the state. http://www.sce.cornell.edu/ss/programs.php?v=PREFRESH&s=Overview

http://www.finaid.cornell.edu/cost-attend/financial-aid-eligibility The amount of financial assistance a family needs each year is determined by the following formula: Total Cost to Attend Estimated costs include: Tuition and fees Housing (standard double-room rate) Dining (Bear Traditional meal plan) Books and supplies Travel and miscellaneous For the most current costs, click here. Family Contribution Income, assets, family size, and the number of children in college are all considered when calculating the amount your family can contribute. If parents are separated or not married, Cornell reviews each one’s financial information. Usually, each parent is expected to contribute, and that expectation continues throughout your undergraduate years. Cornell may make exceptions to this if a family has special circumstances. Financial Need After deducting what a family can pay from the total cost to attend, a financial need is determined. A financial need may be met with a combination of work, loan and grant. Consistency We try hard to be consistent in the way we consider financial circumstances from year to year. If a family's financial circumstances remain relatively unchanged throughout your time at Cornell, a predictable financial aid package each year can be expected.