why didn't we qualify for a Middle Class scholarship?

kelsmom
Mon, 16 Mar 2015 18:28:06 +0000

Look at the Pell chart and consider COA realistically. Schools base their COA not on individual circumstances, but rather on an average. Even if there is a separate COA for a less-than-full-time student, the chances of a COA being as low as some of the COA’s on that Pell chart is pretty darn unrealistic. Full Pell payments begin at a COA of $3,000/year. Since COA includes more than just tuition, it’s a pretty safe bet that for most, the fact that technically speaking, Pell + EFC is not going to exceed COA is a moot point. Not worth even muddying the waters with a discussion … but likely to be confusing in that while other need-based aid must be reduced when the combination of Pell, EFC, non-need-based aid, and non-Pell-need-based aid exceeds COA, Pell (which is need based) is not reduced when the combination of Pell, EFC and non-need based aid exceeds COA. Confused yet?