I have been reading several threads about higher EFC rates after a sibling graduates, so I was hoping to learn more about my future situation regarding my USC aid.
As a side note, I only chose USC because my freshman financial aid allowed me to attend without having to take out any loans, but I feel like I’ll inevitably accumulate debt now.
I am currently a sophomore and I have to pay ~7k in mandatory fees and tuition. I will essentially be paying an additional~8k or so for living expenses, food, etc. The total for everything is ~15k (obviously)
Also, as a freshman, I had to pay a net total of ~15k, which included dorm, food, and tuition.
Mistakenly, as a dumb senior in high school, I assumed that this cost would stay the same every year. However, my brother will be a senior this coming year, and I was wondering if there is an estimate to how my aid will be affected when he graduates. If my EFC rate doubles (as I’ve seen in previous threads), does this mean I will be expected to pay 15k in tution+fees, with an addition 8k for living expenses?
In addition, will USC possibly grant me the same aid in my junior year if I have an older sister who is attending college, but is not listed on the family house hold? She unexpectedly failed a class and will be taking 5 years to graduate, so there will be a 1 year overlap. Also, I currently live with 2 additional (jobless) siblings whom my parents provide for, but they are also not listed on the forms. I doubt these things will make changes because I don’t believe these circumstances are accounted for.
* Side note: As first generation students, my siblings and I fill out our own financial aid forms. My brother told my to not include my sister in FASFA because she wasn’t on my family’s household forms even though she is currently attending college… was this a mistake?
But I guess my question is, could I ask for additional aid for my coming sophomore year or are these not valid enough reason? I was initially not going to appeal because 15k a year is affordable for my parents, but if my aid drastically increases my junior and senior year, then maybe I should try? Please let me know your thoughts or if there is anything else I can do! Thank you very much for your time! (: