<p>I was accepted to my early decision college and they gave me a financial aid estimate based on the CSS Profile. A few days ago I submitted the also-required FAFSA. Based on the Profile, the college said my family contribution is about $20,000. However, the FAFSA says that our EFC is a lot less ($13,000). Does this mean my financial aid should increase significantly as well? The college pledges to meet 100% of need. I just wonder if they'll go by the first number they got or if they'll adjust it by the FAFSA EFC.</p>
<p>It doesn't necessarily mean that your aid will go up. Your school is not bound by the figures on the FAFSA; they use the Profile and their own methods for determining your need. You may want to contact your financial aid office directly.</p>
<p>Schools that require profile use it to calculate the school based aid. Profile produces a different EFC from FAFSA because it counts many things that FAFSA does not (primary home etc - depending on the school). If your school requires profile that is the EFC they will probably use. Their 100% need basis will be profile. The FAFSA is required to see if you are eligible for any federal based aid (Pell grants, subsidized loans etc).</p>
<p>Ok, thank you!</p>