<p>Thumper is saying that the money is not awarded by FAFSA and she is correct. FAFSA is a form that uses your numbers in a formula and produces a number called the EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) which the schools use to calculate your ‘need’ by deducting the EFC fron their COA (Cost Of Attendance). It is the school that makes the financial aid award including any federal aid…</p>
<p>Thumper is correct that federal aid is unlikely to provide a full ride unless there is merit money involved. Northern Arizona’s cost of attendance for instate students is @ $17,000</p>
<p>with a zero EFC (very low income - probably less than $20,000) the maximum federal grants are
Pell $4731
SEOG $500-1500 at this school
ACG $750</p>
<p>So the maximum federal grant money would be $6981 (and SEOG is hard to get and ACG is also based on academic requirements). Any other aid must be in the form of loans or institutional aid.</p>
<p>Also federal aid does not allow a student to get extra aid over the cost of attendance.</p>
<p>edit: crossposted with a zillion people</p>