Financial Aid Question

I sent my FAFSA, that's how I got the EFC #. I'm just really nervous. This is the first year I really don't have any $$ from parents to help me pay, and if I don't get a package that gives me very little expense out of my pocket now I won't be able to go back. I think I should just register for some random classes to hold the place so I can get packaged and stop worrying so much!

I did college counseling in a previous career, and my info could be somewhat out of date, but I believe if you have and EFC of $0, the school tries to cover your expenses with a complete package. However, that package might include hefty loans and work study money. I'm not sure your low EFC guarantees you more grant money. If you are already receiving the max amount that is typically given out as grant money, they may just raise the amount of loan money you are approved for. They may also look at how much money you might get in state aid vs. school aid.

Work study is considered part of your financial aid, but you don't receive it until you earn it, so lets say they give you $2500 of work study for each semester, you still have to come up with that $2500 to pay your tuition. Also, each school has their own policies with loan checks. One university I attended allowed you to begin classes if they knew that the check was on the way, but another school wanted all the money up front, even if you hadn't received your loan check yet, but did have a payment plan that students could enroll in. I would make an appointment to speak with a financial aid advisor at the school. Sometimes they do have discretionary funds they can work with, although it is late in the year to try to get it. I had a similar dilemma in graduate school, when my program was restructured and little thought was given to those of us on financial aid. I wrote a thorough letter to the director of financial aid and she agreed to meet with me herself. She also helped me apply for an additional small loan that enabled me to finish my last semester of school.

When I was working, I thought I was told by financial aid people that no one gets an EFC of $0, simply because they would expect everyone to contribute at least a certain minimum amount - that might have changed, I am not saying you are providing incorrect info, I am just surprised that they wouldn't expect you to pay anything at all. Good luck - I hope you are able to swing it!