EFC & Need Based Aid

Okay, I’ve done some research and I’m still getting some conflicting information that needs some clarification.

According to my FAFSA, my EFC reads as 00097. I’ve heard some people say that number is a dollar amount that I am expected to contribute, while others say it’s just part of a formula to determine my need. Does anyone have an idea if my EFC will put me in good shape for need based aid?

Before people say that only HYS give need-based aid, I’ve seen a thread where people reported mixed merit/need based amounts from several other schools. Granted, the people reporting had an EFC of 0.

Dude that is tiny, you may actually get some need aid.

I hope so! That’s good to hear. I’m very poor, but wouldn’t most K-JDs be pretty poor as well?

Yes, which is why many schools want NeedAccess as well.

Gotcha. I’m hoping that I get some from the school’s that don’t want parent info at least.

Depends on which schools you apply to. A lot of schools make you report parents income as part of the FAFSA even if you are an independent student.

Read the post above yours. I realize I’m probably out of luck at schools that look at parent info. I was mostly wondering if my EFC alone would put me in a good position for aid.

pretty sure the very few schools that actually give need-based aid all require parental info

In order to be eligible for any need-based aid you will need to provide parental info either through NeedAccess, or through submitting copies of your parents tax returns to the school in question.

My EFC is 0, yet I expect $0 in financial aid.

Same here… Although, if I stay in state, it looks like Stafford loans + School aid will cover all CoA… so I guess that’s ok…

Yeah, I’ve submitted the NeedAccess and everything. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what schools give me on a case-by-case basis. :frowning:

Good luck. Seems we’re all pretty much in the same boat… Hopefully it works out for the better.

Thanks! Same to you.

Did you not put your parents info into the FAFSA?

I know I did, as I was prompted to…

Was this an attempt to troll, or something?

Please don’t bump this thread if you’re going to be a jerk.

No, as in a legitimate question. I put in my parents information which shot my EFC way up. If I didnt have to do that I would like to know to see if I should change it…

I feel like you all could noodle your way through this question without having to wait for outcomes. What percentage of an entering class would get aid if schools looked only at student income and left out parents??

You aren’t required to put your parent’s info on the Fafsa, but most schools want the NeedAccess which does ask for your parent’s data. You can change your Fafsa at any time.

That is what I was thinking. Wouldnt make sense