What is financial aid like?

AGmomx2
Fri, 07 Feb 2014 05:38:59 +0000

Since most student’s parents fill out the FAFSA, I’m guessing you didn’t see the questions. The form asks all your questions (and more) and then computes a dollar amount as your estimated family contribution ( EFC)- although they say ‘it’s a number’ our number has been converted exactly to dollars each year. Each school has a cost of attendance (COA) includes tuition, books, room & board, even travel & personal expenses. You take your COA-EFC= need amount. That need is met via scholarships, grants or loans. COA is a different amount if you are in state or out of state, roughly $23,000 instate, $39,000 OOS. The exact amount for this coming year hasn’t been computed yet. As a side note, no one thinks their FAFSA amount is realistic- but it is used. You may get scholarships for more than the need amount and up to the entire COA.