<p>So after filing FAFSA, I found out my EFC is $382.
I was really happy with this, but I've read that Northeastern isn't great with need-based aid. Do you think they will offer me a decent amount given my EFC is so low? Or is there just no way to tell?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance!!</p>
<p>This year has been much better (relatively) than in the past for NEU financial aid, or so they say; they invested a lot in it this year. CSS Profile is required as well and that might increase your EFC as Northeastern weighs that more heavily, it’s more in-depth.</p>
<p>That is to say: Your EFC could be thousands of dollars more according to Northeastern, and even then they might not meet your need. It is hard to predict, but I bet you’d get a significant amount. I just don’t know how much you need to go, if you’re willing to take out loans, etc.</p>
<p>You also might get a better package if you’re towards the top of the applicant pool.</p>
<p>Even at schools that claim to meet full need, like Boston College, it is the school’s own determination of need. </p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback!
I’d definitely be okay with loans…I love the school so much, I think it would be worth it (within reason though)</p>
<p>As a student, you are limited to reasonably small amounts of loans. Generally $5500/$6500/$7500/$7500 for the 4 years (or half of that for each of 8 academic semesters) so you can’t go too overboard. That’s the Stafford direct loans. Sometimes you will be offered a bit more in a Perkins or a college-based loan, but probably not enough to get you into big trouble with loan amounts. But… the loans will be part of your ‘package’ to meet (or come close to meeting) need. That will be on top of the amount your family is expected to pay “up front” based on your EFC (as computed by the school, not by FAFSA). </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>