<p>College Board defined early decision as follows, “If the college accepts you and offers you enough financial aid, you must go to that college.” </p>
<p>What does this mean? If they send back a financial aid package worth $20k off the total $50k, and my parents say that’s not enough and that they want me to go to the $10k state flagship school, does that count? The CommonApp and the university don’t explain it very well in depth, and I’m having trouble explaining this to my parents. Any help? </p>
<p>You provide an EFC number during application. If the numbers are different, you can say that the aid does not match your expected family contribution, and then not go.</p>
<p>They get to award the aid they feel like. You and your family get to decide if it is enough or not. No one will make you attend if your family isn’t willing to pay.</p>
<p>If you need aid, you are best off not applying ED.</p>
<p>Each college must include a Net Price Calculator on their Financial Aid web site. Using this will provide you with an estimate of how much you can expect in need-based aid if you are accepted. Parentes who are salaried and have a predictable income will have better estimates, but at least you will have a number.</p>
<p>When you apply ED, you should have used this tool. If the number it produces is not even in the ballpark for what your family can afford, you should not apply ED.</p>
<p>Having said that, happymom is right. You get to decide if “enough FA” is really enough for your family.</p>