<p>My EFC is 00697 according to FAFSA. I just got my financial aid award summary from the University of Michigan and they didn't give me any scholarships based on financial need.
I only received three listings on my summary: </p>
<ul>
<li>REGENTS MERIT SCHOLARSHIP 1,500.00 1,500.00 USD<br></li>
<li>FED UNSUB DIRECT LOAN 2,625.00 2,625.00<br>
MI MERIT AWARD-ESTIMATE 1,250.00 1,250.00<br></li>
</ul>
<p>I called them and they said my family is expected to pay $17,000 (the total is a little over 20). I don't get why the number is so high since my family made just under 30 grand last year. And how does that correspond to my EFC? From what I've read online that is the amount you are expected to pay, but obviously they are asking for more than 697 dollars...</p>
<p>Another person from my school who lives in the same city (though I can't say exactly what their financial status is) was given 20 grand in scholarship money and we received our notices at the same time....
Why is mine so much less?????</p>
<p>so are you a Michigan resident?
I don't think you can compare aid packages because like you say- you don't exactly know what their financial status is, but you could certainly ask them</p>
<p>Also I would assume that you are eligible for a Pell Grant- is this correct?</p>
<p>yeah I live in Michigan but I'm not sure if I'm eligible for the pell grant. From what I've read about it I believe I am. That was one of the grants listed that the student from my school received, $4,050.</p>
<p>you should be & according to the Umichigan info- they should have noted that on your award letter
since Pell is for $4,050- the way I understand it- anyone with an EFC of below $4,000 is eligible for something
If your EFC was zero you would get the whole thing- above that- depends on how much</p>
<p>What percent of need do they meet??? If they meet 100% of need then your expected to pay what your EFC says if they only meet 50% that totally changes the equation EX:: A $20000 yr school and say your EFC is 697 so
20000-697=19303 if the school meets 100% you are expected to pay the 697 the rest in fed loans ect..
or
20000-697=19303 if the school meets 50% you $19303 X .50=$9651+697= $10348 you would be expected to pay. The rest in fed loans grants ect...</p>
<p>It seems like (in my situation anyway) that the schools are not giving us what they should in Fin aid according to their need met. We have schools that meet 92% need and the formula works right to the penny and other schools that say they meet 93% the equation isn't even close-they have us paying way more. Almost double in 2 cases??? I can't figure it out If anyone has the answer I would love to know . Percent of need met should be what it is, not vary from kid to kid or does it??????</p>
<p>Oh OK So the need met is an average not a for sure thing.Do you know anything on appealing this ?? We are appealing 2 very similar schools in the same state. One which met his need to the tee and the other that didn't -almost double the tuition and of course my son wants to go the school that is twice the cost for us!! :) I called the fin aid office and they told me to send in the aid award from the other school and the commitee would meet and let me know? Do you know what your chances are appealing?? Very similar schools-same ranking-almost exact tuition and both average around the 92-93% aid met. I have to wait almost 2 weeks for an answer. I don't want to get my hopes up but when called it was almost a given(like they were used to getting these kinds of calls)-he said send the stuff in along with a signature and they would reconsider?? At least they are willing to take a look at it></p>
<p>My efc is still 697 on the fafsa site right now, but maybe it's possible my page isn't updated? That does seem like a low amount to me, but I have no idea how they can expect me to pay 17 grand.</p>
<p>Are you 100% Positive that its not an merit award only sheet? Sometimes schools send out two differnt award sheets, one for merit and one for Need based aid. I would deffiently contact the school and ask them about how low your financial aid is.</p>
<p>Nvm It says there is a loan on there (so it includes both), you should contact there fin aid dept. there has to have been a mistake on your award.</p>