<p>Just received the results from my FAFSA - apparently our EFC is $6500, which is kind of ridiculous to ask of a single mother getting no child support after graduation. But I guess that fact doesn't come into play at all since there was no question about it.</p>
<p>Anyway, I'm wondering... does EFC include room/board, or just tuition? If it's just tuition, then I'm unsure of how we'll be able to make this work. I also know that the EFC from FAFSA doesn't necessarily mean that we'll be paying only that amount. Generally, how much of a difference is there between this number and that of a private institution known to give out good financial aid? Last of all, is there any way that a school may see our EFC as lower?</p>
<p>EFC is what the formula predicts that your family will be able to contribute towards your child's education next year. Each college will take their estimate of the total cost of college (room, board, tuition, fees, transportation, miscellaneous expenses), deduct the EFC, and come up with a financial aid package that covers most of the difference. The aid package will likely include grants, loans, and work study.</p>
<p>The FAO's (Financial Aid Officers) have the authority to increase or decrease the aid package based in individual circumstances. Single parent is already figured into the calculations that resulted in your EFC, based on your FAFSA input. But other compelling circumstances might warrant "professional judgemet by the FAO.</p>
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The FAO's (Financial Aid Officers) have the authority to increase or decrease the aid package based in individual circumstances. Single parent is already figured into the calculations that resulted in your EFC, based on your FAFSA input. But other compelling circumstances might warrant "professional judgemet by the FAO
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<p>Yes if you can show the FAO that your child support goes away upon graduation they may adjust your EFC. You will probably have to meet with the FAO and provide documentation proving the change in income. We are planning on doing the same as Ds SS income goes away on graduation. I have read posts on CC where EFCs have been adjusted in these circumstances. Good luck.</p>
<p>For schools that take the Profile as well as the FAFSA, the fact that your child's father does not continue to pay child support is irrelevant. The fact that he may not agree to pay anything is also irrelevant. Schools consider the ability to pay, not the willingness. Otherwise, every parent would say, "No, I won't pay."</p>
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<p>how much of a difference is there between this number and that of a private institution known to give out good financial aid?>></p>
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<p>Most private institutions that give out good aid also require the completion of the Profile. The Profile requires input from both parents whether married or divorced. This means that your child's non-custodial parent is required to submit income/asset information AND that is taken into consideration by these institutions when determining finaid. Sometimes families can get a non-custodial parent waiver, but in the OP's case where child support will be paid until age 18 (or HS graduation), this would be highly unlikely, as one has to prove that there has not been any contact with the non-custodial parent. Clearly, if you have received even a small amount of child support, that NCP has had contact with his/her child. However, the better news is that schools requiring only the FAFSA only consider the income/assets of the custodial parent and the student, not the non-custodial parent. And regarding EFC...it is based on your income and assets from the previous tax year (2006 in this year's case). The calculation assumes a contribution based on those numbers. You, as the custodial parent, can put in a request for extenuating circumstances consideration and your lowered income for the upcoming year. For Profile schools, though, that income and assets from then non-custodial parent will have to be reported.</p>