EFC, CSS/PROFILE, and Other Financial Aid Questions

Paying for College
1

<p>I just completed my FAFSA, and was sent an email confirming it. Included was my "Estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC)." Is this number the total cost (for all four years) or just the per-year cost, and can it change much from the estimate over the course of college?</p>

<p>Also, if I submit FAFSA, do I still need to complete and send in the Financial Aid PROFILE from the College Board, or this just a substitute? If it is required, why is it necessary if essentially the same information is included on the FAFSA? Aside from these and other issues specific to the individual school, are there any other important forms I should fill out or things I should take care of?</p>

<p>Sorry for the broad, unspecific, and overly general layout of my questions; I just want to make sure I have everything covered. College is a pretty big deal, after all. Thanks for the input.</p>

2

<ol>
<li><p>The EFC is for ONE year only.</p></li>
<li><p>If your colleges require the Profile, you must submit it as well if you want to be considered for institutional need based aid. The FAFSA is NOT a substitute for the Profile.</p></li>
<li><p>Check EACH college for require financial aid application submissions, and make sure you send EVERYTHING each college wants by that college’s stated deadline.</p></li>
<li><p>Some colleges also have their on financial aid form. Some require signed tax returns. And so forth…check check check!</p></li>
</ol>