<p>Cryinggirl, to answer your question on how to get an automatic EFC of zero, your PARENTS income as verified on their tax returns has to be under $22K or so. If that is the case, assets up to $100K or so are ignored and it is easier to fill out the FAFSA, but your PARENTS still have to be in the picture as long as you are not independent by FAFSA definitions. It does not matter that they are illegally in this country, but that they are not filing taxes is a problem and sticking point, the way it works for financial aid.</p>