EFC...will it double?

<p>So, I got a likely letter from Dartmouth, and yesterday they sent me an estimate of my financial aid packet. It's really nice (full tuition + about 8k + work study) and my parents wouldn't have to struggle to pay too much, but at the bottom of the page it said:</p>

<p>"The Parent Contribution for one in college would be $6142."</p>

<p>My older brother is currently in college as well, but by the time I'm in my second year, he'll have graduated, which, I assume, will make my EFC go up. It's currently about $5,200 (but D-mouth might have calculated it a little higher) So when it's no longer the two of us in college, can I expect that EFC to double, or do you think it we would only have to pay that $6,142?</p>

<p>Should I ask the financial aid office about that number?</p>

<p>Yes, you should ask the financial aid office. But remember....need based financial aid is only awarded for one year...the you reapply annually for your award for the following year. So what you got for your need based award was for the 2009-2010 school year only. Congratulations on a great acceptance and award...Perhaps you can work and save some money this year towards your costs in the future. AND remember that during the summers you can also work and contribute (but remember that Dartmouth does require ONE summer in attendance).</p>

<p>Yes, I would expect the EFC to about double with only 1 in college at any school.</p>

<p>It will likely go up, depending on the formula your college uses. Not all schools halve the EFC for two kids in college.</p>