<p>*Some schools say that they’ll match 100% of all demonstrated need, but does that mean the gap between their aid + the EFC and the cost of the school,</p>
<p>or simply anything you can’t pay, regardless of whatever you are expected to be able to pay?*</p>
<p>No to the second part. Otherwise families would just say, “we can only pay $1000” or whatever. </p>
<p>The formula calculations determine what your family is supposed to pay. After THAT, schools that meet need provide the rest with grants, work study, loans, etc. </p>
<p>For instance, if your EFC is $20k and a school costs $60k, then your FA pkg may be:</p>
<p>$7k (Stafford and Perkins Loans)
$3k Work Study</p>
<h2>$30k Grant</h2>
<p>$40k FA pkg that meets your $40k of “need”.</p>
<p>$20k Family pays</p>
<h2>$40k from the FA pkg</h2>
<p>$60k Cost of Attendance</p>
<p>You have an unaffordable EFC. Therefore you have to look at schools that will give you MEGA SIZE merit, so that any remaining costs can be covered by 1/4 of your college savings and a $5500 student loan.</p>
<p>You’re going to need more than a full tuition scholarship.</p>