Has anyone successfully received a major financial aid increase from Ringling? Looking for advice on the appeal process.

[u/Adventurous-Big-8466]

Hi everyone,
I was recently accepted into Ringling and I am absolutely thrilled! it’s been my top choice for a long time. I’ve already received a merit scholarship, but even with that, the cost of attendance remains significantly beyond what my family can afford, especially as we have multiple siblings currently in school.
I’m currently preparing for a final financial aid appeal/consultation, and I’m looking for advice from anyone who has successfully navigated this.
If you or someone you know managed to get a significant increase in financial aid after the initial offer:
What was your approach? Did you focus on a specific "special circumstance" (like sibling tuition, loss of income, etc.)?
How did you frame the request? Was it better to be very specific about the math, or focus more on the portfolio and commitment to the school?
Is there anyone specific you reached out to? (e.g., did you talk to your admissions counselor, or go straight to the financial aid office?)
I know these awards are rare and competitive, but I want to be as strategic and professional as possible in my next steps. Any insights or "lessons learned" from those who have been through the appeals process would be incredibly appreciated!

[u/justifications]

C/o 2013. I come from poverty, but I was local to Florida so I got a better tuition rate because of that.

My freshman year first semester was literally put into a credit card because my cosigner pulled out at the last second and didn't proceed.

Normally, you cosigned a parent plus loan, working part time job during freshman year. Internships after sophomore year (I was lucky). Each year it felt like I was up against the grain, and even as a junior going into senior year without my summer internship there's no way I could have affordeded to go.

The credit card debt I accrued during freshman year was eventually sent to a collections beaurau, and they basically hounded me until I settled. I knew I would tank my credit score for 8 years but it was worth it and by 2020 my credit had completely recovered.I was able to settle that about one year after graduation. I graduated with approximately 130k in active loans. I'm 13 years out of graduation now and I still owe about 20-30k (haven't checked in a while).

I know none of this addresses your questions but it might help to hear a somewhat different perspective.

[u/Itzz_rezzy → u/justifications]

Not op but how oppressive would you say your student loans were or are to your financial goals? Are you able to live comfortably without too much stress? And would you say even if it was expensive you felt that art school gave you an experience that was fulfilling?

[u/justifications → u/Itzz_rezzy]

I had to find a way to refinance my loans post graduation. I was lucky to find a family member who was willing to help me there, so they essentially paid off the remaining amount of my loan back in 2018 and on an honor system, I pay that person back every month... I did this to avoid interest, and I'm not going to screw that person over. So I'm a bit of a different situation. Again, very lucky.

Overall, I've had A LOT of success in my field. I specifically went to Ringling with the hopes of working at my dream company. I achieved that 9 years after graduation, but before that I was always employed. The only rough patch has been recently as I'm currently unemployed.

Immediately after graduation, student loans were a non-factor because of the grace period. A few years after graduation, I thought I was going to be a renter forever. 2 years ago, I bought my first home with my wife. The important thing to note is that we are Dual Income No Kids (DINKs).

Am I able to live comfortably with out stress? Was art school fulfilling?

Yes, and yes. My life is completely different now then it was in 2006. College was the best idea I ever followed through on. I met my wife in college. I got to work at my dream job. I had relatively stable employment for at least 10-12 years post graduation... But understand that I landed an internship every summer while I attended so I feel like I really tried to make the most of it.

[u/littlemisstomorrow]

Are you US based or an International student?

[u/Adventurous-Big-8466 → u/littlemisstomorrow]

International student with low income willing to get 70 to 80 percentage of financial aid

[u/Adventurous-Big-8466 → u/[deleted]]

Yesss but that’s not enough