<p>FAFSA advisor said the 2 are separate. I thought if somebody got little $$ from FAFSFA but the school wanted them, the school might ante up more $$ themselves. Didn’t know if I’m completely misunderstanding this? Sorry for the multiple posts on this issue.</p>
<p>FAFSA does NOT give out any money. It is an assessment tool schools use in determining how much federal financial aid a student is eligible for. It gives the federal methodology of a student’s EFC. No monies come from FAFSA. Rather the money a student is eligible for is from the federal govt. aid programs such as the Pell Grant, Federal work-study, SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants) and subsidized student loans.</p>
<p>Some outside private scholarship organizations and foundations (Gates, Questbridge/Match, Ronald Mcdonald, and many many others) ask for a copy of your student’s SAR from the FAFSA to also evaluate need. And they then dispense with their funds according to the need determined by FAFSA.</p>
<p>Schools which require the PROFILE or their own financial aid forms use the federal methodology along with their own institutional methodologies in order to determine need and then the aid THEY are willing to provide.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Kat</p>
<p>There are some schools though have special merit based scholarships/grants that they award that, although not tied to the data provided in your FAFSA, do require that you must have had filled out the FAFSA.</p>
<p>So, it is worth it to fill out the FAFSA regardless of whether you think your family will qualify for aid or not, because otherwise, you could take yourself out of the running for other non-need based scholarships that may be offered at the school you choose to attend.</p>
<p>Thank you both! I guess I poorly worded the question. I realize $$ is from the fed govt; meant to say “through” the FAFSA. </p>
<p>Appreciate your detailed responses! This is an area I have to get up to speed on quickly.</p>