Do I qualify for a full-ride

kelsmom
Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:38:04 +0000

I can only guess based on the info you gave. It sounds like you will have a 0 EFC. That does not mean you won’t have to pay anything, but it does mean you will get the best need based package a school gives (unless it’s one of those schools like BU that considers more then just need when awarding supposedly need based aid). That varies widely by college. You should be eligible for a Pell award - in 09/10, the amount would be $5350. That would be the only “for sure” grant. You would also be eligible for $5500 in Stafford loans for sure. That is almost $11,000 right there.

Check your state universities to find out what kind of financial aid they have for low income students. The state U where I work awards enough in grants to cover the average tuition costs for a 0 EFC freshman - and any scholarships the student brings in are added to that (they don’t reduce the grants). Another state U in my area promises to cover tuition & dorm charges for 0 income students without loans. I believe our state flagship has a similar promise, but they use the Profile to weed out those who aren’t really as poor as they look on the FAFSA. My school also has a program for students whose parents did not attend college - it’s run through the TRIO office - students with 0 EFC get tuition & dorm charges paid in full for the first two years & then many students qualify for institutional scholarships to supplement other need based aid for the final two years.

These are just some examples of how state schools can be a bargain for low income in state students. Maybe you can come up with something similar in your home state. Best of luck.