<p>I wish you had visited here earlier. Mephist0 is right. Before you apply ED you should use the online FAFSA calculators to get an idea of your family’s EFC. If your family can’t afford the school, don’t apply. Many schools don’t even meet the limit of the EFC. It is up to the schools to decide what “meeting need” means. In my view ED is a way for the schools to get students who will pay full freight for their education, helping to subsidize those who need aid.</p>