<p>Ok, so I just completed my FAFSA, and noticed my EFC was something like 5156.
It's my understanding that the higher your EFC number, the less financial assistance you'll receive. However, my parents are not currently working due to recent lay-offs... so the income reported isn't the current income we have right now... I've been accepted at Hofstra University in Long Island, NY and was wondering if anyone had an opinion or any knowledge of whether or not an EFC of 5156 means alot of financial aid at a private university?! Any feedback would be appreciated!
Thanks!</p>
<p>Your EFC is very close for PELL grant eligibility. DOn't know what the new cut off is for the 2009/10 school year. You might want to check that as it can make a big difference in aid. Also for the TAPs program for NY State if you are a state resident. It would be a shame to miss that close to getting some grants.</p>
<p>I don't remember whether Hofstra requires PROFILE or its own app in addition to the FAFSA. If it does, that will take precedence to the EFC FAFSA has calculated. Even more important is what % of need that Hofstra tends to meet. It does not help you if your college does not meet need, unless you are one of their lucky ones who is an exception. You need to find out how Hofstra meets need and how much is in loan vs grants.</p>
<p>If you send them a letter (using your Id's etc. so they can cross reference the info) and supply proof that your folks have been laid off (eg. layoff notice, new proof of unemployment eligibility, etc.) they <em>may</em> adjust your EFC downward provided your information can be verified (which would likely then be lower and net you at least some Pell Grant money). </p>
<p>Worth looking into it...but don't take my word for it. Call them directly, please!</p>
<p>Congrats on your admission..fight to get the most support possible..be polite and provide ducumention..Hofstra is a great school</p>
<p>Just to clarify ... your EFC is never "adjusted downward." The elements that go into the EFC calculation can be adjusted if a financial aid administrator feels that documentation supports doing so (for example, changing the income from the base year to an amount that reflects the new reality). The EFC is then recalculated using the adjusted info. This is important to know and understand.</p>