(reposted from r/financialadvice I didn't realize it was inactive)
I'm a first year university student, starting this upcoming September. I come from a low income but somewhat well off household, so I'm in that sort of middle class range where fasfa gives not a whole bunch but enough. I partially rely on fasfa to pay my tuition and other uni costs, though I have some help from my parents.
Now, with that, initially when I applied to my current university Their upfront cost seemed relatively affordable, hence my decision to apply.
My first issue popped up when, despite the check being mailed at the beginning of July with some scholarships id won, my aid didn't get disbursed till late July early August, and that was after I already emailed my Uni asking where my aid was or when I received it.
I'm currently in an ongoing debacle, where my set price of tuition keeps fluctuating. First, when I checked it was in the mid 4,000 range— unaffordable for me. I emailed the financial aid department since I assumed it was only a clerical error (none of my aid showed in the payment portal). After that was sorted, it was set to around $770 which was feasible. I checked today, and my total payment was bumped up to $1,020.
Now, regarding the title; I'm not sure if anything suspicious is happening. I'm a first gen college student, so I don't know if this is par for the course. So; is it normal that it took so long for my scholarships to be disbursed, and my tuition number to change often? If not, how would I go about documenting what's been going on/determine if anything shady is happening or if it's just my nerves talking?
Thank you for any advice! If more information is needed I can add it to the comments
How do I document suspicious financial activity?
byu/Available_Jump_347 inpersonalfinance
Posted by Available_Jump_347
2 Comments
You need to talk to the financial aid office again to understand what is happening. They may send you to the Bursar’s office if other charges are involved outside of your financial aid and scholarship money.
Don’t stress. Just get a clear accounting and understanding of what each entry into your account means. If it’s more than you can currently afford ask for payment options and/or loans. You can also ask for student jobs to offset tuition if your school offers them.
View your total cost of your education as an investment in your future. It’s scary when you start but stay focused. Also check out student counseling services if you need help finding your career path.
Good luck! Hope you have a great school year.
Is this in the US?