<p>My EFC is greater than the cost of tuition at virtually every college. Is there any point bothering with the FAFSA and/or CSS, and the hassle of submitting all these financial disclosures?</p>
<p>I always tell folks to apply for the finaid anyway. Some schools actually require these forms for merit aid as well as need based aid. By completing the FAFSA, you will receive a Stafford Loan offer (unsubsidized if you have no need, but it is in the student's name). ALSO...while you have the resources to pay for college now, what would happen if there were some catastrophic financial event within your family (loss of income, medical or other expenses, etc)? If that were to happen during the school year, you would want the colleges to reconsider your financial aid. Without the forms on file, and complete, they will not do so. If the forms are there, you would write a letter detailing the changes in your family's financial situation. If there were a crisis, the last thing you would want to be doing would be financial aid forms.</p>
<p>Good point - thanks</p>
<p>P.S. Just because my EFC > cost does not mean that I have the resources to pay for college now. What REALLY ticks me off is that savings are treated differently from home equity. The family that chose to live in a smaller home and save a larger portion of their income is penalized relative to the McMansion crowds</p>
<p>Yes. Are you 100% certain that your family has positioned themselves properly to qualify for the absolute maximum amount financial aid? If not, there could be gold in them thar hills. If you file a FAFSA, you just might qualify for a "no-work" work-study award. It happens all the time.</p>
<p>Reecy - what is a no work work study award? My D has a work study award but will have to apply for, get, and do an hourly paid WS job in order to receive it. I have not heard of a no work WS before.</p>