Question about private scholarships

ecoaz
Sun, 21 Dec 2008 12:44:39 +0000

I will be attending an in-state university that determines need based on FAFSA only. I’ve already received merit scholarship award offers to attend both my state choices. However, since my merit offers were received, state tuition has increased at each state school and other expenses (room/board/etc.) may increase as well. I’m certain the universities’ merit scholarship offers will remain the same.

My mom has a chronic illness and is on a very modest amount of private disability (non-government). Due to her illness, our health/medical, insurance, and other expenses make it difficult for my parents to assist with college. There is also some personal and small business debt they are repaying that will probably not be reflected accurately on the FAFSA.

If I receive private scholarship money, will private scholarships help reduce my family’s EFC, or will the state universities only take part of my award away (such as a much-needed student loan or possible grant money) and leave the same amount of EFC in place? I understand I can’t receive more funds than the cost of attendance, so I’m simply referring to much-needed “gap” money, as my state universities are under no obligation to meet total need.

Thanks for any help or suggestions. I’m reading up on this, but could use some additional advice.