Anyone know much about Berkeley's need-based aid? Forum

[Anon NA]

Hey all,

I've been accepted to Boalt and would love to attend. To keep this short, due to bad credit (think bankruptcy or foreclosure), I will only be able to take out $20,500 a year in loans. Due to reality (both my numbers are below their medians), I will likely get zero merit based aid at Berkeley. With that said, I can document legitimate financial need: I'm the sole bread winner for my family of 5 and made less than $30K last year.

So, I'm wondering how straightforward Berkeley's need-based aid is. I have read the website, and think I understand how they determine eligibility, but I'm would really like to hear from others what they know about Berkeley's need based aid process. I am hoping to get the maximum (which I believe is $17,500 per year), otherwise it will be very difficult for me attend.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Anon NA]

Crickets . . .

Anyone? Anything? Please dish the TLS wisdom

[Anon NA]

Alright, one more bump for today . . .

If no one answers, I'll take it personally .

[clone22]

Don't take it personally, I'm in a similar boat as you, minus the need to support the livelihood of 4 others. It would seem amazing to attend and everything, but from their website, it looks like they want you to take out the first 45K a year in loans, and then they start giving you need based grants. http://www.law.berkeley.edu/192.htm
the recent california budget crisis would only make this worse, I would assume

[djfe4president]

Hey all,

I've been accepted to Boalt and would love to attend. To keep this short, due to bad credit (think bankruptcy or foreclosure), I will only be able to take out $20,500 a year in loans. Due to reality (both my numbers are below their medians), I will likely get zero merit based aid at Berkeley. With that said, I can document legitimate financial need: I'm the sole bread winner for my family of 5 and made less than $30K last year.

So, I'm wondering how straightforward Berkeley's need-based aid is. I have read the website, and think I understand how they determine eligibility, but I'm would really like to hear from others what they know about Berkeley's need based aid process. I am hoping to get the maximum (which I believe is $17,500 per year), otherwise it will be very difficult for me attend.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Where did you get this number from?