<p>Our D is a freshman at URI. Before she entered college, we did complete the FAFSA last year. But we knew we wouldn't receive any aid other than a loan offer because URI is our state school and our EFC is ~34k (while tuition/room/board is ~22k, less a 3k URI scholarship and another 2k from Cox). So we declined the loan offer and just pay each month. </p>
<p>Our situation hasn't changed this year. When our HS Jr. son enters college in fall of '12, then we might actually see some aid and I know we'll need to complete the FAFSA again.</p>
<p>But for this upcoming year, w/ just our D in college again, is there any point in spending the time to complete the FAFSA?</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>Unless there is some scholarships that require FAFSA, there’s no reason.</p>
<p>BTW…even when your son goes to school, if he goes to a state school as well, even though your EFC will drop, you will still likely only be offered a loan. Most schools do not give free money to those whose EFCs are beyond federal Pell limits…which is about EFC 4500. Your EFC for each kid is going to be about $17k…for many schools, that means just being given a loan. Rarely, does a student get need-based aid from a state school with an EFC of $17k (unless you’re OOS for UNC or UVA).</p>
<p>Thanks for the prompt reply, mom. I realize that if my son also attends our state school, we’ll be footing the entire bill. But due to his goal of playing college baseball, he’ll be looking at other private schools, where some aid might help. Thanks again.</p>
<p>Ah…looking for an athletic scholarship…good luck :)</p>
<p>Also, if his stats are good, he may find some schools that will give him a merit scholarship as well.</p>
<p>haha, actually, not expecting any athletic aid. I only brought up the baseball to point out that the schools at which he might be qualified/desired would likely cost much more than our state school, and therefore yield some financial aid.</p>
<p>ahh…then seek out the schools that give good amounts of institutional aid…many privates cost more, but that doesn’t mean that they have much institutional aid to give out.</p>
<p>Exactly. We did the same for our D; we targeted schools at which she would receive merit aid. </p>
<p>Ok, so bottom line, no FAFSA needed if no expectation of financial aid. Thanks again.</p>