<p>The school will ONLY use FAFSA to determine federal aid, which is NOT MUCH. Do not misunderstand what EFC means. That is not the most you have to pay…it’s a misnomer!!!</p>
<p>So…even at a FAFSA-only school, having a low EFC does NOT mean that you don’t have to pay much!!! Most schools do not have much aid to give and gap. Schools are NOT obligated AT ALL to meet EFC. </p>
<p>The school will use CSS Profile to determine your “family contribution.”</p>
<p>The school WILL expect you to use some of that non-retirement savings.</p>
<p>Self-employed people OFTEN find the schools that use CSS Profile are NOT generous to them because those schools often “add back in” deductions that you’ve taken.</p>
<p>If your D applies ED, make sure that she ALSO applies to various schools where she would get large merit (before those early scholarship deadlines!! Often in Dec!!!). </p>
<p>ED isn’t a good idea when finances are iffy.</p>
<p>And, yes, the no loans deal is often tied to assets as well.</p>