OK, I’ve poked around a bit online and can’t find a clear answer. TIA for any help. If you know the approximate EFC and are finding out that the merit aid will more than cover the gap, would you still need to fill out the FAFSA for your student to get a small student loan?
If you want your child to have the option of taking a loan you need to fill out the FAFSA. If you don’t want/need it then just pass.
Our merit aid covered tuition, it was more than our EFC, but the total COA minus merit was also more than EFC, so we qualified for subsidized loan and state grant because there was need left.
OK, thanks. I have done the FAFSA before and it’s not too much trouble, plus this is just one school and I know we won’t be in this position at every choice!
If your efc is low enough, you may qualify for a Pell grant that you will receive on top of your merit aid. Yes, if you need loans you must file the fafsa