how to find out how much FAFSA money

sincerelyydavid · 03-31-2010, 01:20 AM

how can i find out how much money i'm getting through FAFSA? my EFC is 0, but how much money is that?.

swimcatsmom · 03-31-2010, 01:38 AM

You don't get anything from FAFSA. FAFSA sends your EFC to the schools you listed and they prepare a financial aid award letter. What you get will vary by school based on their financial aid policies (whether they promise to meet full need or not) and their cost of attendance.

As far as federal aid is concerned you should get the max Pell grant of $5550. You are also eligible for $5500 in Stafford loans. You may also be eligible for the ACG of $750. Other federal aid is limited and will depend on the school - you may get some SEOG grant money, Perkins loans, or work study depending on the school's policies. There may become State aid if your state has any. Other aid will depend on whether the school has institutional aid (some do not) of their own to award and their policies for awarding it.

sk8rmom · 03-31-2010, 09:25 AM

You're a NY resident going to a NY college, right? Make sure you apply for TAP - that should give you an additional $4900 in addition to the federal aid swimcatsmom mentioned. If you're attending a SUNY school, you may also receive a SUSTA grant. I think the school determines the amount, but it may be around $500. If you decide to attend UB, they may offer you a computer grant through UB Micro this summer so watch your mail/email...I think it's around $500.

sincerelyydavid · 03-31-2010, 11:51 AM

sk8rmom, why did you only mention the specifics of UB and not other schools? and how did you know i'm in ny? sorry for the weird question, but i think you know too much about me. lol

mom2collegekids · 03-31-2010, 11:54 AM

David...

As an EFC 0 student, you need to CAREFULLY select schools to apply to. As a NY resident, you need to apply to the SUNYs that give the most money, as well as take advantage of all the state and fed money. It should add up to cover most of your costs.

and..depending on your stats (what are your stats??), you need to carefully apply to privates and such that will want your stats and give you a great FA package.

thumper1 · 03-31-2010, 06:16 PM

David...agreed with others...money doesn't come from FAFSA...it comes from the colleges or federal government via the colleges...using information that is ON the FAFSA to determine your need.

Any information anyone has about you was posted by YOU on one of the College Confidential forums.

sk8rmom · 03-31-2010, 06:51 PM

I remember responding to a question you posted re pharmacy on the UB forum...but it's very easy for people to see your previous posts by clicking on your screen name! Most of the info I just gave applies to any SUNY, and most NY schools, you applied to. I just happen to know about the extra grant UB gives and thought I'd mention it as it's something they don't tell you about up front!

mom2collegekids · 03-31-2010, 09:25 PM

I think people need to keep in mind that EFC is a federal number. The various states and various colleges are under no obligation to care what that number is ...except to help you get the fed aid that you're entitled to.

Erin's Dad · 04-01-2010, 12:11 PM

^ Great summary of EFC.

sybbie719 · 04-01-2010, 12:50 PM

In addition if you ar a nYS resident, depending on your stats, you may be EOP/HEOP eligible

sk8rmom · 04-02-2010, 07:50 AM

I'm pretty sure the OP already has his acceptances and either didn't apply as EOP or didn't qualify...maybe his stats were too high for the "not normally admissable" restriction?