The little guy is always working on his golf game because his team of advisors only takes about 20 percent of the calls that other advisors take. They literally sit there, play movie trivia, etc... Lucky to be in good with your director and advising in that college.
It's totally on the students how much financial aid can be taken out. Eligibility depends on your grade level and cost of attendance. Tuition is only one component of cost of attendance.
The university has learned nothing from last year's delays caused by aid year crossover. They have hired no one else to review documents received. They have hired no one else to certify or review awards. Expect long waits.